Salvation Army volunteers cook Christmas meals

Volunteers spent Christmas morning preparing thousands of meals at the Salvation Army in Colorado Springs.

The meals were served at the Salvation Army headquarters on Yuma Street, as well as at the Fountain Valley Senior Center and Manitou Springs Town Hall.

“Normally on Christmas morning, you’re thinking about opening your presents and taking care of family, but today we have a lot of volunteers coming out to take care of other people,” said Maj. Richard Larson, a Salvation Army coordinator.

Larson’s son, also named Richard, helped cook some of the food.

“It gives people a chance to have a hot meal that wouldn’t have a hot meal,” he said.

Volunteers prepared 600 pounds of potatoes and 35 gallons of gravy. Ham and green beans were also on the menu.

“It looks delicious,” said volunteer Kehinde Oshikoya Pamphille. “I’m sure everyone is going to enjoy this.”

Volunteers said giving a helping hand is the best way to spend the holiday.

“Being able to have an operation this big and get to help not just a few people, but hundreds of people, it’s very rewarding,” said volunteer David Sanders.