Volunteers Provide Christmas Eve Meal

Dozens of hungry people enjoyed a Christmas Eve meal served by some caring volunteers.

There was festive music and plenty of good food Thursday afternoon at the Salvation Army in West Palm Beach.

And it was all free, for anyone who wanted to stop by.

Palm Beach Harvest, Tree of Life, and Jay Ministries donated food and toys for the children while the Salvation Army on Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard provided a location.

The holiday event was organized by a Wellington woman who started collecting donations about six months ago.

"I think this is something great that they're doing this for the community to come out and feed the ones who, you know, are hungry and need a meal," said Sharmieka McKinney, a Riviera Beach mother who brought her three kids.

"I think that's wonderful for the holiday!" said Aubrianna Givans, 9, McKinney's daughter.

Besides the food, Santa and Mrs. Claus were also there to pass out gifts.

One of the organizers says they served about 500 people this afternoon at the two-hour event.