While many people, luxuriating in the trappings of Christmas within their warm, comfortable homes, forget the less fortunate, the Salvation Army never forgets.

Its doors are ever-open to those whom society shuns and rejects, but at Christmastime in particular it goes out of its way to extend the loving hand of Christian fellowship to street people and what are commonly referred to as down-and-outs.

Salvation Army officers make a point of scouring the haunts of the homeless to make sure that they receive a personal invitation to share in the festive spirit.

Thus, on December 15, will these unfortunates make their way to Astwood Hall on Church Street, there to enjoy a full Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, a sing-along, a finally a personal gift -- all hosted by the Army.

"We are expecting about 120 people,'' Lt. Ivor Minors, executive director of the Emergency Housing complex and Harbour Light residence, said.

Everything required to stage the gala dinner is being donated, some of it financed by an anonymous donor.

Provisions are being donated by the Supermart, Dunkley's Dairy, wholesalers Butterfield & Vallis, and Winter Cookson Petty, and cake by The Cake Shop. Mr.

Wayne Knight is donating ham.

Henry VIII restaurant staff are responsible for cooking and catering, and volunteers will serve the guests at their tables.

Businessman Mr. Gilbert Darrell is donating a Christmas tree, which will be decorated by volunteers from the Adult Education School.

Among other merchants donating goods are the Bermuda General Agency, Knick Knack, H.A.& E. Smith's, Gibbons Co., Boyle's, and St. Michael's.

An anonymous executive has telephoned from Great Britain to again pledge financial assistance for what became a favourite project during his residency here.

Distinguished guests at the dinner are expected to include the Minister of Health, Housing & Social Services, the Hon. Quinton Edness, Senator Norma Astwood, local businessmen who have donated goods to the Army throughout the year, and of course the new divisional commander, Mr. Merv Leach.

"There will be no head table because we like our special guests to mingle with the others,'' Mr. Minors explained. "We try to have a nice, friendly atmosphere.'' The dinner will include a festive sing-along, hopefully accompanied by the Salvation Army Band. Leading the singing will be clients of the Emergency Housing complex.

"We tried it last year and it worked well, so we thought we'd do it again,'' Lt. Marion Minors said. "We've been rehearsing already.'' When each guest leaves it will be with a gift of clothing donated by local merchants. Sweaters, pyjamas, underwear and socks are among the items to be handed out.

Each gift will have been wrapped by Salvation Army personnel, using gift wrap donated by Mrs. Dodge.

In addition to the gala dinner, the Salvation Army has arranged other Christmas projects for the people in its care.

There will be a special service/concert at the Emergency Housing complex on December 11, and a restaurant dinner for residents of Harbour Light on December 16.

"The choir from Bright Temple AME church will be leading our evening service, which will be more like a concert,'' Lt. Marion Minors explained of the December 11 event. "Normally 30-40 people come to our Sunday night service at Harbour Light, but on that night we will be taking everyone over to the Emergency Housing complex.'' This year, for the first time, residents of Harbour Light will be having a special Christmas treat at a local restaurant with money given by an anonymous donor.

"Normally, we have our Christmas dinner for the people here, but this year we are taking our eight men to M.R. Onions. They wanted to dress up and go to a restaurant, so we decided to use the money that way,'' Lt. Marion Minors said.

"Usually, when we have our Harbour Light dinner other people drop in, so we figured by taking the men out it would be treat for them and more economical for us.'' Salvation Army pitches in On Christmas Day, there will be a morning service at Harbour Light, following which attendees will be eligible for lunch.

With the number of homeless and street people steadily growing, the Salvation Army's need for financial assistance from the public is greater than ever -- not just at Christmastime but throughout the year. Cheques should be made payable to the Salvation Army, and the mailing address is: P.O. Box HM412, Hamilton HMBX.

CHRISTMAS CHEER -- Scenes like this, in which Salvation Army Captain Max Barrett and his wife, Captain Linda Barrett, help prepare for the street people's Christmas dinner, will be repeated on December 15 when the Army once again hosts the homeless and less fortunate in the community.