Salvation Army hosts 34th Annual Christmas Family Feast

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Over 4,000 people gathered at Milwaukee's Baird Center to eat a home-cooked Christmas meal at the Salvation Army's 34th Annual Christmas Family Feast. 

The holidays are all about spending time with family and food, but for some, it can be a lonely time of year.

“I didn’t have anything to do at home," said Ebony Brown. 

At the Baird Center, everyone is welcome for a meal put on thanks to community members. 

“It’s about serving Milwaukee in more than one way, and this is a beautiful community, and we can celebrate it today," said Zoe, a first-time volunteer.

Milwaukee Area Commander Major Beverly Gates says each person inside the building is considered family. 

“For people to come and enjoy a time together, it kind of says we’re a community. Which is what Milwaukee really is," said Gates. 

Executive Chef Bernhard Trivalon spends over a week preparing classic Christmas dishes. 

“It’s free and it's for the less fortunate and they don’t get as many meals as they probably should," said Trivalon.

As for the people serving these plates, Trivalon says they embody what the holidays are all about.

“Without the volunteers, this could never happen. This could never happen," he said.