MILWAUKEE — For 35 years, the Salvation Army of Milwaukee County has hosted its Family Feast, providing free holiday meals to those in need on Christmas Day.

Roughly 4,000 people lined up outside the Baird Center in downtown Milwaukee to fill up on home-style cooking.

On the menu this year was turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, bread, beverages and dessert.

The event was made possible thanks to sponsors and volunteers. According to the Salvation Army, about 400 people volunteered this year.

The feast is enjoyed by many every year and newcomers are always welcome.

Milwaukee resident Rochelle Harris said she learned about the Family Feast from registering for the Toys for Tots program.

“They gave us a flyer at the end, and I was like, ‘Oh, we have to go and experience it,’” said Harris.

She brought her young daughter and son, who got a kick out of dancing with Santa Claus during the feast.

Another Milwaukee mom came back for the second year in a row to help feed her family of six.

“On a given day, like one meal for my household is like $80,” said Nicole Harper.

She said it’s expensive to feed that many mouths and she’s grateful there are events to like this to help lift the financial burden off her shoulders during the holidays.

The Salvation Army said the Family Feast also provides a sense of community for those who have no one to celebrate with.