Thousands arrived hungry at the Colorado Convention Center on Sunday. They all left with full stomachs and a taste of the holiday spirit.

The occasion marked the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic that The Salvation Army publicly hosted a free “Hope Served Here” holiday dinner, an event that typically gathers up to 2,000 people.

Safeway provided ham, mashes potatoes, stuffing, bread rolls, green beans, apple pie and water bottles.

“It tells me that the spirit within the people that Colorado is well and truly alive,” Salvation Army Divisional Commander Major Nesan Kistan said, as he watched a family pick up plates of holiday meals.

“People want to be here to help their neighbors,” he said, “we’re seeing people that are homeless, people that are lonely. I think that is inspiring. We want every single person to find hope.”

Anyone from families, individuals, seniors and those experiencing hardship attended for dinner. Many homeless people, some who were bussed from Denver-owned shelters, enjoyed free meals inside the convention center.

Delena Thornton and Henry Perez were among those who shared the holiday spirit Sunday inside the convention center.

“There are others out there that don’t know this is going on,” Thornton said. “Holidays always feel good and bring out your inner child and a giving attitude. Just to see that glow and happiness from people is what it’s all about.”

Around 400 volunteers helped prepare roughly 7,000 meals on Sunday, according to Kistan.

Safeway provided all the food and drinks.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser attended the event. He joined volunteers and spoke with people as they sat down for a meal.

“What I love about Colorado so much is the spirit here that we care about one another,” Weiser told The Denver Gazette during the event.

“This is a spirit that I want to encourage,” he added. “I think about those who are the neediest among us, and how we take time as community members and support others.”