Salvation Army prepares to feed thousands of people on Christmas Day

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A national non-profit is gearing up to feed thousands of people for Christmas Day.

The Salvation Army and their volunteers prepared food ahead of their 34th annual Christmas Family Fest, on Wednesday, Dec. 20.

The fest will take place Christmas Day at the Baird Center downtown from 11:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m., with more than 4,000 people expected to attend.

"They got turkey, they have ham, they have yams, they have garlic mashed potatoes, they have buttered green beans," said Head Chef of the 34th annual Christmas Family Fest, Bernhard Trivalos.

Trivalos said this is his fourth year leading the charge for the holiday feast, but he says he's not alone.

"I have to go back to the volunteers, because without them there is no way I could do this, no way," said Trivalos.

Trivalos went on to say to make the grand meal it takes close to 60 hours of holiday magic from start to finish, along with hundreds of pounds of food.

The chef said his biggest challenge is the turkeys.

"Deboning two hundred whole turkeys, and they're frozen like a bowling ball," said Trivalos.

But no matter what the challenge, leaders with Salvation Army said the hard work is worth it.

"I believe this is a labor of love for everyone that's involved," said Sheree Dallas Branch, Assistant Development Director with the Salvation Army.

Dallas Branch went on to say more than 500 volunteers make this annual feast possible, and yes, while the food will be plenty, Dallas Branch said the conversation will be fruitful.

"Be part of a bigger celebration on Christmas Day where they may have, in other incidents, been alone so that really give us all the feel we need to keep this going and to make it as great as we can year after year," said Dallas.