CHAMBERSBURG, PA - While the Chambersburg Salvation Army prepares for their annual holiday dinner, they're getting a major boost from a rather unexpected source: the local Jewish community. For the past 15 years, Lynne Newman has been pouring her heart and soul into the Salvation Army's holiday meal, even though, technically, she doesn't celebrate it.
Some members of her synagogue began doing this 20 years ago when they decided to give back to the community during the Christmas season. This year they had all of their poinsettia flowers donated by local businesses, and the food is actually home-made by Lynne and her husband.
But the celebrations, don't stop there. Dozens of local kids will pitch in to help serve the meal restaurant-style, and each family even gets a present to take home.
Lynne says her volunteers come from all different religions, and there's really no reason why everyone can't get together to celebrate the spirit of Christmas.
"It's not a holiday we celebrate, but it doesn't matter. It really really doesn't matter. What matters, is that they do, and Christmas is about family, it's about giving, and being with others and everybody should have that joy."
Lynne and her crew will also be delivering dinners to "Meals on Wheels" recipients, since the program does not formally deliver on Christmas, and they'll be taking food to all Franklin County police and fire responders who have to work that day. In total, they plan on feeding about 300 people.
The dinner will take place on Monday from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at the Chambersburg Salvation Army.