Salvation Army saves Thanksgiving for hundreds of Lincoln families

Hundreds of paper bags lined tables and even the floor of The Salvation Army food pantry.

Each bag stuffed with all the fixings for a Thanksgiving dinner.

“It’s a big help, um I don’t have family here but I feel like family when I come here so I thank God for The Salvation Army,” said Beverly Henry, one of the people who received a food bag from the organization.

Major Mark Anderson and an army of more than 200 volunteers spent several days packing all of the Thanksgiving bags.

All of the food items, including the turkeys, were all donated or purchased with money the organization received in their Red Kettle Campaign.

“We just really want to make sure the people here in Lincoln the families, the individuals, have the best holiday, the best Thanksgiving that we can possibly provide,” said Salvation Army Major Mark Anderson. 

Dozens of families lined up outside the center near 27th and Holdrege eager to receive a Thanksgiving bag.

For many without The Salvation Army’s help they would go without on the holiday.

For Major Anderson seeing the joy on so many families faces as they receive the food is the best gift of all.

“Kids and families are having a good holiday and Thanksgiving because of the generosity of our community. I just get to be sort of like Santa Claus, I get to be the guy that stands there and says can you imagine all of this taking place in our city.”

If you’re still looking for help Salvation Army will be giving out bags of food tomorrow as well.

The distribution will start at 10 a.m. at their center near 27th and Holdrege and last until the food runs out.