MILWAUKEE — Thousands of people showed up for food, music and good company at the Christmas Family Feast Wednesday morning.
The Salvation Army and other groups have helped put the event together for 30 years. About 1,000 people volunteer to serve about 7,000 meals.
"We love it, we love coming here," said Derek Wesley.
Wesley and his wife have been turning out to have a home-cooked meal every year for ten years.
"We just two elderly couple people, and we get to mingle with all of the other people, and some of the people we've been knowing for a long time," Wesley said.
Volunteers get up at the crack of dawn to help prepare for the feast. Many say giving back is what the holiday is truly about.
"You have people that are coming here that have no other place to go, a lot of them, and they're getting a good meal, good friendship and some support," said volunteer Don Cohen.
Some have volunteered for as many as 20 years, and some are returning for their second or third years.
Don Rosette helped start the event 30 years ago and is thrilled it has become a Milwaukee holiday staple.
"I mean, it's very festive to come out and see all of the attendees coming out in fellowship and having a good time," Rosette said. "Look how festive, we got people caroling, we got toys for the kids, we got a scrumptous meal."
