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Pocono News Section
Salvation Army Hands out Free Christmas Dinner
Salvation Army Hands out Free Christmas Dinner - Thursday, December 17, 2009 at 2:01PM EST
Thursday, Dec 17, 2009 @ 02:01pm EST
EAST STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY - A line of cars full of families stretched for blocks in East Stroudsburg Thursda morning. The Salvation Army there was handing out its annual Christmas Dinner boxes.
Lynn from East Stroudsburg was one of the recipients. She wasn't sure she could give her three kids a nice Christmas dinner. She said, "I need a little help this year."
She's a single mother who was laid off this year. The Salvation Army stepped in to help her family. She said she's, ""Extremely grateful. I'm very happy I was able to sign up and be able to get some help this year."
Volunteers boxed all the ingredients for more than 500 free dinners. Food Pantry Coordinator Jill Brink said, "It's ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, carrots, sweet potatoes."
The organization helped about 30% more people than usual this year so it had to cut back on the boxes. Usually they include turkey and ham, this year, it's just ham. Brink said, "It's sad in a way that that many people actually need our assistance."
Dozens of volunteers like Bob Hernhauser packed the boxes and carried them to cars. He said, "It makes you feel really good." Brink added, "We could not do our job here at the Salvation Army if it would not be for the support of the surrounding community and our volunteers."
Dinner recipients say they are glad for the help and hope they'll be able to return the favor in the future.
Next week the Salvation Army will hand out toys to families in need. Organizers say they also got more toy requests than usual. | | |
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