By Rob Ollikainen
Peninsula Daily News
PORT ANGELES — The Salvation Army in Port Angeles will host a Christmas Eve lunch from noon to 1 p.m. today at the new soup kitchen building at 123 S. Peabody St.
The faith-based charity has traditionally held its free holiday meal on Christmas Day.
The feast was moved to Christmas Eve this year to allow volunteers and staff to be with their families on Christmas, Major Sabrina Tumey said.
Tumey said she expects about 200 meals will be served today. More than a dozen volunteers will help make the holiday lunch possible.
The Salvation Army also serves regular meals twice a day, five days a week.
“The Christmas season is a little crazy,” Tumey said.
“Everyone’s working very hard.”
Volunteers on Tuesday distributed 380 gift baskets to families and individuals who had signed up to receive donated toys or food.
Tumey and her husband, Major John Tumey, took over operation of the Port Angeles Salvation Army on July 1.
“We love and appreciate everybody,” Sabrina Tumey said.
“It’s our first Christmas here. Everyone’s been very, very gracious and very, very giving.
“We’ve very thankful,” she added.
The Port Angeles Salvation Army also traditionally offers a free Thanksgiving feast on the day before Thanksgiving.
Those who frequent the Salvation Army have been given notice that the Christmas feast will be held on Christmas Eve this year.
Sabrina Tumey said the Christmas meal likely will be served on Christmas Eve into the future.
“There’s a need to just be able to catch a breath and allow folks that are very faithful in working all the time to catch a breath as well,” Tumey said.
For information on the Port Angeles Salvation Army, phone 360-452-7679.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5072, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
