We share this Christmas meal and meals daily to show those in need that God truly cares for all of his children,” said Major Isaias Braga, Commander of the San Bernardino Citadel of The Salvation Army.

(Redlands, Calif.) San Bernardino Citadel of The Salvation Army hosts its annual Christmas Dinner for hundreds of people at the Hospitality House & Family Transitional Living Center, 925 W. 10th St., San Bernardino, from 4:00 P.M to 6:00 pm on Christmas Day, December 25.

“We share the joy and love of our God who sent his only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to save us from sin. He taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves. We share this Christmas meal and meals daily to show those in need that God truly cares for all of his children,” said Major Isaias Braga, Commander of the San Bernardino Citadel of The Salvation Army.

“Turkey, potatoes, gravy, stuffing, vegetables, and pie...we’re serving a complete Christmas dinner,” says Program Director Naomi Goforth. “We still need 500 turkeys and lots of side dishes. We need whatever people want to give to meet this year’s demand.”

Since 1888, the annual Salvation Army Christmas dinner has served thousands of families, including mothers, children, and men who do not have the means to provide themselves with a Christmas dinner. Some come to enjoy fellowship with others.

People come from Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto, San Bernardino, and the mountain communities for this annual Christmas celebratory meal. The dinner often serves more than 200 people.

“Every year, volunteers come together to provide food preparation and service for Christmas meals to dinner guests,” said Major Braga. “Our volunteers and staff truly do an outstanding job of making a difference for those who are less fortunate during the holiday season.”

The Salvation Army provides many services, such as this annual Community Christmas dinner, made possible through in-kind donations and money raised through the Red Kettle Bell Ringer campaign. “It’s one of the ministries your donations serve,” said Major Braga.

“The San Bernardino Corps also needs food daily for those at our Hospitality House living shelter,” said Major Braga. Up to 85 family members stay in its transitional and emergency family shelters.

Each Christmas, Inland Empire Salvation Army Corps in eight corps locations combine to serve about 1,800 people holiday meals.

The hungry families are joined by volunteers who help prepare the food and serve meals to the families. Along with asking volunteers to help serve food, the Salvation Army encourages people to donate turkeys or hams, side dishes, and other food by calling (909) 888-1336.

Call or visit the locations below for more information about the Salvation Army Christmas dinner, donations, or volunteering for the Christmas dinner at a Salvation Army near you.

San Bernardino County

·      San Bernardino, 925 W. 10th St. (909) 888-1336.

·      Big Bear Lake, Pine Summit Camp 700 Wren Dr. (909) 878-0140

·      Ontario, 1412 S. Euclid Ave., (909) 986-6748.

·      Victorville, 14585 La Paz Drive, (760) 245-2545.

·      Redlands, 838 Alta St., (909) 792-6868.

Riverside County

·      Riverside, 3695 First Street, (951) 784-3571

·      Moreno Valley, 14075 Frederick St., (951) 653-9131.

·      Hemet, 340 S. Palm Ave., (951) 791-9495.

·      Murrieta, 4020 Los Alamos Rd., (951) 677-1324

Donors are asked to drop off turkeys, hams, canned food, cash, checks, or gift cards at their local Salvation Army Corps Office. For more information, call the local office or 1 (800) SAL-ARMY. Donations can also be made online at SBCSVA.org.

If You Need Help

Call (909) 792-6868 or visit the Salvation Army’s Citadel Office at 838 Alta Street, Redlands, CA 92373. If you need shelter, call (909) 888-4880. If you want a hot meal Sunday through Friday, visit the Hospitality House Emergency Shelter & Transitional Living Center, 925 W. 10th St., San Bernardino, CA 92411, at 4:30 P.M. or call Call (909) 792-6868.

About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps

The Salvation Army is an evangelical branch of the Universal Christian Church that offers holistic programs without discrimination to individuals. It serves the cities of Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Loma Linda, Mentone, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino, and Yucaipa, as well as Big Bear, Blue Jay, Crestline, Lake Arrowhead, and other mountain communities.

The Salvation Army is one of the largest charitable and service organizations in the world. It has been serving San Bernardino since 1888, supporting those in need.