TRAVERSE CITY - The holidays bring everyone together, and the Salvation Army has brought the community together by serving a thanksgiving meal for those in need.
“There’s a lot of people that care and just kind of helps bring you up your spirits,” says Nicole Weirs.
Nicole Weirs and her daughter aria joined in on the meal today and celebrated the holiday with their community. They say things haven’t been easy this year.
“It’s been really tight. Lost money and they where they have the resources, if they don’t, then they can help us go somewhere that has something or kind of help us get it in the right spot where we need to be,” says Nicole.
“It’s always the best you have around here and you feel safe. You don’t want to leave you,” explains her daughter Aria Weir.
Envoy Greg Irwin is one of those people that is making the Salvation Army a safe place for people in the community. He says he’s thankful for those who want to do the same.
“All these volunteers, it’s overwhelming to me every year when i see all the volunteers and how they step up and they’re willing to be the hands and feet of god to others in this community,” he says.
The meal was served around lunchtime with all the fixings including turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, and of course, pie! Envoy Irwin wants everyone to know they are always welcome at the salvation army all year round.
“I think it’s important because we remember that each one of us have value, and we believe that the salvation army, that each one of us a great value. We’re each created in god’s image. And so this gives us an opportunity to let people know that they not only have an invitation to the table, they have a seat at the table,” says Envoy Irwin.
The salvation army served over 350 meals last year. They’re expecting to meet or exceed that number this year. With such a need in the community, Nicole has advice for those seeking assistance this holiday season.
“Don’t be scared to ask for help. I mean, it can be really scary sometimes. It’s hard. Can be hard, but once you ask for it really takes the weight off your shoulders and anything else that you want to show,” she says.
