Roseville Salvation Army Expected to Feed Hundreds

Roseville's Salvation Army is expected to serve hundreds in need of a home-cooked Thanksgiving dinner -- and many will have just that -- a dinner served at home. 

Volunteers today serve those in need at the First United Methodist Church off Washington Boulevard. However, Army volunteers are also delivering 145 meals to South Placer homebound seniors. 

Those in need were identified with the help of Seniors First. 

"We truly want people who need a Thanksgiving meal to have one delivered to them," said Lt. John Morrow with Roseville's Salvation Army. "Have someone greet them with a warm smile and wish them a 'Happy Thanksgiving' on the day. And let them know that we care for them and that it’s real and authentic." 

Lt. John said last year volunteers served 450 plates last year.  

Advisory Board Member Elizabeth Laird, helped cook this year's holiday meals. She and fellow volunteers prepared 40 turkeys. 

"When we cook our meals every week. We honestly pick meals that are easier on the volunteers, enchiladas, casseroles and soups," Laird said. "For Thanksgiving we are going all out.. there will be everything you remember from your childhood that we will be serving."  

People have been dropping off pies and side dishes all week, she added. 

Laird put the final plans together to help pack meals Thursday afternoon. 

"There's a lot o detail work that needs to be done," she said. "It all has to be packed carefully. It's special and we want the meal to be special and to look special when they receive it."

Laird recalled talking to one meal delivery volunteer who not only delivered a turkey dinner to an elderly couple, but later came back and bought and put up a Christmas tree for them.

The Roseville Salvation Army on Lincoln Street serves lunch on Fridays and breakfasts on Saturday mornings. Staff and volunteers help people in need in Roseville but also throughout the South Placer area including Lincoln, Loomis and Rocklin.

Giving is two-fold on Thanksgiving and year round at the Salvation Army, according to Laird. 

"For me I went down to the Salvation Army thinking I would be giving them something but honestly they have been giving to me," said Laird, who joined the advisory board this fall. "I love going down there and my children like going and helping too. I want my children to see how good it makes you feel when you are doing something that makes a difference." 

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