The Salvation Army Continues Thirty Year Tradition

The Salvation Army of Greater Hartford will continue a thirty-year tradition and provide area seniors with Thanksgiving Dinner. Over 200 volunteers will gather at 225 Washington Street on Thanksgiving morning and prepare the over twelve hundred take-out meals for delivery in the Great Hartford area, including Manchester.

The preparations for Thanksgiving Program begin in late August and continue until the big day in November.

The delivery of the meals is a way for volunteers to connect with seniors who may not have family or are unable to get out to dinner. It provides fellowship, emotional support and opportunity to reach out to seniors in need. Some volunteers have kept the same route for many years, and look forward to renewing friendships and visiting.

“Thanksgiving is about family. The Salvation Army volunteers become extended family for the children and loved ones who are unable to get home for Thanksgiving. A child of one senior spoke with our staff the other day and expressed how grateful she is her mom is not forgotten. Circumstances did not permit her to get home to visit, but she was assured someone would look in on her parent. A number of volunteers keep connected with a senior on their route throughout the year and consider the person a part of extended family, says Major Wesley S. Geddes, Area Services Coordinator.

The Salvation Army is the only organization in the area providing this service to seniors. Meals are served not only on Thanksgiving but on Christmas Day as well. Volunteers are urgently needed for Christmas Day deliveries, drivers especially are needed. Anyone interested contact Debbie White at 860.543.8413 or email her at Debbie.White@use.SalvationArmy.org.