With carving knives in hand and plastic armor to protect their bodies, this army is ready for battle. The soldiers - more than 30 Salvation Army volunteers. Their mission - de-bone 140 turkeys.
The process all starts Monday when the birds are cooked. De-boning happens Wednesday. Thursday is reserved for the sides - we're talking stuffing, green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy and more.
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"This is just a place that is open to everyone, whatever their reason is," said Rick Holzman, a volunteers since 1988. "We don't ask and that's one of the nice things. We open our hearts to everyone."
Friday upwards of 2,000 will dine on this labor of love at the Salvation Army Linwood Center or in their own homes through take out and delivery services.
"It fills me up, I get full," said Freida Hadley, the kitchen manager. "I enjoy doing it. The volunteers help everyone. All they have to do is come in and sit down and they'll be served everything."
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And while their main goal is to fill the bellies of Kansas City neighbors, the volunteers say it's their souls that also leave full.
The feast starts Fri., Dec. 25 at 11 a.m. at the Salvation Army Linwood Center at 101 Linwood (near Main St. and Linwood in Kansas City, Mo.). While many people think this meal is only for the poor and homeless, it's open to any and everyone who wants a hot meal and good company.
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Terra Hall can be reached at terra.hall@kshb.com.
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