Phillips says he's appreciative of the Salvation Army's kindness. Last year they had a Thanksgiving meal in the plaza and so many people had eaten there that they didn't quite come here."

 

Last year the turnout here at the Salvation Army was very low. About 35 people showed up on thanksgiving day even though there were more than 25 volunteers serving and plenty of food. "Well I mean, why not feed more people by feeding them on Wednesday?" Phillips said.

 

Lieutenant Preston Lewis with the Salvation Army says too many agencies serve meals on the day of, leaving people too stuffed for seconds. Lieutenant Lewis says, "There's a lot of people in our community that don't have that option to meet with family. Many are homeless and a few have no place to go, and for those few that have no place to go. No other alternative, we provide that atmosphere."

 

By the end of this afternoon the Salvation Army fed 154 people, more than 4 times the amount of people they fed last year. The salvation army will probably continue this method as it's shown to be the most effective way to serve most people on Thanksgiving week.

 

The Salvation Army will be doing it all over again friday from 3pm-4 pm. Where they hope to reach a combined goal of serving 200 needy people.