A Half-Century Tradition of Thanksgiving Service in Pasadena Faces Critical Need

Union Station Homeless Services confronts an urgent need for donations as it prepares to serve thousands through its signature Thanksgiving Day meal program, a cornerstone of Pasadena’s community service landscape for over 50 years. The nonprofit requires 750 frozen turkeys for “Dinner in the Park,” an event that, despite its name’s pastoral origins, has evolved into an extensive five-day operation serving multiple locations throughout the city.

“We’re still in need of dinner rolls, pies, cranberry sauce, mashed potato boxes, stuffing mix, and much more,” the organization announced in a Wednesday communication, underscoring widespread supply shortages.

The scale of need is substantial: 7,900 dinner rolls, 850 pies, 998 boxes of chicken stuffing, and 1,262 boxes of mashed potato mix, alongside Velveeta Original Cheese, Mac & Cheese boxes, macaroni pasta, Knorr Roast Gravy, Brown Gravy Mix, French’s Original Crispy Fried Onions, and Cream of Mushroom Soup.

The ambitious program, sponsored by Southern California Gas Company and CBG, encompasses multiple initiatives from Nov. 18 through Nov. 28. 

Beginning with a turkey drive on Nov. 18-19 at the Adult Center (412 S. Raymond Ave.), the schedule progresses to meal box distribution on Nov. 20. On Nov. 26, organizers will serve sit-down meals at eight locations: Centennial Place, Heritage Square South, Eagle Rock Tiny Village, Huntington Villas, Casa Luna, Hilda Solis Iris House, Le Blanc, and Heritage Hotel.

Community meals follow on Nov. 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Adult Center, with the program concluding Nov. 28 with additional participant meals.

The organization welcomes donations at two sites: the Admin Office at 825 E. Orange Grove Blvd. (weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) and the Adult Center at 412 S. Raymond Ave. (weekends, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.).

Prospective volunteers should contact: volunteer@unionstationhs.org or call (626) 240-0720, with first-time volunteers required to register in advance. 

For sponsorship inquiries, contact: venice.dunn@unionstationhs.org or call (626) 944-0032.