Real meaning of the holiday: Volunteers create the magic for Christmas Family Feast

MILWAUKEE -- On Christmas, we often share a meal with loved ones. Well, the Salvation Army is gearing up to share a home-cooked meal with nearly 10,000 people on Christmas Day.

It'll take 100 turkeys, 1,500 pounds of ham, a whole lot of gravy and nearly 1,000 volunteers to pull it all together.

"It's just impossible to run it without volunteers," said Gus Kelly, a cook.

So many gathered on Christmas Eve morning, including the Wentland family, as early as 8 a.m. Their father pulled them out of bed to teach them the real meaning of Christmas.

Mike Wentland

"I want the best phone. I want the iPad. I want, I want, I want.You need to figure out what's really important -- and this is more important than all that stuff," said Mike Wentland, a volunteer. "Just so they get an appreciation of Christmas, and you know? I think the kids get too wrapped up in getting, getting, getting instead of giving, giving, giving."

To his surprise, Wentland's 10-year-old son didn't want to get back into bed.

"No, I'd rather volunteer because I can help tons of people that like, don't have homes and like, don't have things of their own," said Max Wentland.

Max Wentland

His older brother agrees.

"I like it a lot actually. I like doing some community work," said Josh Wentland.

Josh Wentland

Friday, December 25th will mark the Salvation Army's 26th annual Christmas Family Feast -- where all are welcome.

"It's a good time to fellowship. It's not just for the needy. We invite everyone to come," said Don Rosette, project coordinator.

On Christmas Day, more than 8,000 people will fill the hall at the Wisconsin Center and enjoy a delicious meal. The Salvation Army will also send out meals for 1,500 people at local homeless shelters around Milwaukee.

Preps for Salvation Army's Christmas Family Feast