The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

HUNDREDS of senior citizens and low income families were treated to food, fun and fellowship yesterday at the Salvation Army’s annual Community Seniors Luncheon.

In addition to the free holiday lunch, each senior received a food parcel with enough dry goods to feed a family of four over the holidays.

Minister of Social Services Melanie Griffin said the Salvation Army workers are “God’s Angels on earth” who take care of persons they do not know, expecting nothing in return.

“The Social Service Department is grateful for the Salvation Army because we could not do this alone. I am very pleased to lend my support to events held by the Salvation Army, an organisation that continues to work for the betterment of the Bahamas.

“For the past eight years, the Salvation Army has provided food, clothing and home to thousands of people in the Bahamian society,” she said.

“The red shield of the Salvation Army has become the very symbol of Christian care for the hungry, the naked and the sick. Today’s event is just another example of the good they do, despite the fact that this organisation feeds hundreds of people each week, it has taken time to prepare a special lunch for the senior citizens and members of the community in keeping with the spirit of giving that is associated with Christmas.

“I am sure that the persons for whom this event is organised are most appreciative.”

The Royal Bahamas Police Force Band was there to provide entertainment as around 70 volunteers from the Salvation Army, Urban Renewal and the Royal Bank of Canada served the hundreds of meals prepared by the Army’s Advisory Board.

Divisional Commander for the Salvation Army Major Lester Ferguson said the event was a way of “expressing the love” that the holiday season is meant to bring.

The Salvation Army is still asking members of the public to assist them in spreading cheer, love and hope this holiday season by donating paper products, hygiene products, meat and other foods for their Christmas Cheer Programme.