Christmas at the Salvos

HEALESVILLE’S Salvation Army hall is again being decked with boughs of holly in anticipation of a full house on Christmas Day.
With the help of VicForests staff, Corps Officer Lieutenant Sarah Eldridge and her Salvation Army helpers have been putting things in place for the annual community Christmas Day lunch.
It’s a relatively new tradition, but a popular one with anywhere between 60 and 100 people coming together to celebrate the day with a communal lunch.
“We know of some people who may like to join us, but we’re very happy for anyonewho does not have somewhere to spend Christmas Day – families, single people, the elderly – to come here,” said Lieutenant Eldridge.
While anyone who would like to attend is asked to call in at the Salvation Army Care and Wear (Op) Shop in Healesville and let the staff know, unlike a long time ago in Bethlehem, no-one will be turned away.
And, in keeping with the Bethlehem analogy, Lt Eldridge says it would be particularly handy to know if children will be coming along!
The Salvation Army Hall is on the corner of Maroondah Highway and Harker Street and the doors open at 11.30am.