For 133 years, The Salvation Army has been serving as the cornerstone of the community. Led by Lieutenant Luie and Leslie Colon, they oversee the location on Texas Avenue, in Atlantic City. The organization draws on its Christian faith and provides resources and emergency relief to the community. Guided by their motto “Doing the Most Good,” The Salvation Army demonstrated its mission this week at their annual Thanksgiving Dinner.
The tradition began in the 1970s when the Salvation Army started providing Thanksgiving meals to those in the community who would otherwise not have one. This past Wednesday, Nov. 26, volunteers came together to serve over 200 meals of hot turkey dinners with all the trimmings. This is a year-long project, and planning for the next year will begin immediately.
The dinner is led by Chef Michael and Kimmie DeAngelo of Mays Landing, who have coordinated this dinner together for the past decade. All the food is donated, and the Atlantic City casinos play a huge part not only in donating food and supplies but also in providing staff to volunteer at the dinner. Bally’s Jerry Beaver and his wife, Melissa, of Caesars, along with Michael and Kimmie, make this evening come together. They all worked at Bally’s in the past, which is how they got to know each other. Many others also play a role in sending volunteers and food, including HardRock, Resorts, Caesars, and Tropicana. Chef Demetrios Haronis of Tropicana has been instrumental in helping with donations this year, including 400 pounds of turkey and stuffing. Other donations included macaroni and cheese, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and cornbread. Desserts are also donated; some were from Classic Cake, where Chef Michael DeAngelo works.
There are so many people involved. The culinary industry as a whole comes together to support the community. Some board members of the local chapter of the American Chef Federation were on hand to help. They are also teaching up-and-coming chefs a lesson in giving back to the community. Students from Atlantic Cape Academy of Culinary Arts prepared the mashed potatoes for the event, and culinary students from Absegami High School in Galloway prepared the cranberry sauce. Culinary students also volunteered and worked the food line, plating the meals, and some served tables, helping ensure that everyone received a wonderful meal.
The Salvation Army’s ministries include showers, laundry facilities, summer day camps, food pantries, after-school programs, Sunday worship services, and their Christmas Angel Tree, which provides toys and clothing for children in need. You can send donations to 22 S. Texas Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401. While you are out holiday shopping, you will see their bell ringers who also collect donations.
Thanks to the generosity of local chefs, casinos, and volunteers, the annual Thanksgiving dinner is more than just a meal; it’s a lesson in compassion and the power of giving.
Christina Martin is a dedicated chef educator, passionate advocate for healthy food, and proud mother. She shares her passion for seasonal cooking, plant-based living, and supporting local farms through both teaching and writing. Christina’s plant based expertise has been spotlighted in Independent Restaurateur Magazine.
