Union Station Homeless Services Seeks Thanksgiving Donations as Volunteer Registration Nears

Union Station Homeless Services is calling for donations of frozen turkeys, cornbread and canned vegetables as the Pasadena nonprofit prepares to serve thousands of Thanksgiving meals, with volunteer registration opening next Monday, Nov. 2.

In a fundraising email, the organization identified urgent needs for 1,000 frozen turkeys, 1,500 boxes of cornbread and 2,500 cans of green beans. The appeal supports its goal of providing 6,000 Thanksgiving meals through its annual Dinner in the Park program.

The organization’s earlier announcement also requested 8,000 dinner rolls and 1,430 cans of cream of mushroom soup. Supporters can purchase needed supplies through Amazon and Target wishlists.

Union Station has scheduled a Turkey Drive for Monday, Nov. 16, and Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at its Adult Center, 412 S. Raymond Ave., in Pasadena.

On Wednesday, Nov. 18, the organization will distribute Thanksgiving meal kits at the center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The kits will contain a frozen turkey and ingredients for preparing a holiday dinner at home or in an available kitchen.

Anyone may receive a kit while supplies last, regardless of whether they participate in Union Station programs.

Thanksgiving meals for program participants will follow Tuesday, Nov. 24, at Union Station housing locations in Altadena, El Monte, El Sereno and Pasadena.

The public Dinner in the Park gathering is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 25, at the nonprofit’s Adult Center. Free carry-out meals will be available beginning at 10 a.m., with sit-down dining starting at 11 a.m. The event concludes at 3 p.m.

Volunteer opportunities include preparing food, packing meal kits, carving turkeys and serving hot meals, according to the organization. Registration opens Nov. 2 through its volunteer portal.

Union Station has organized Dinner in the Park for more than 50 years. The program combines Thanksgiving meal distributions with communal dining for residents facing food insecurity and financial hardship.

NEED TO KNOW: Union Station’s Turkey Drive is Nov. 16–17, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 412 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena. Free meal kits will be distributed Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., while supplies last. Dinner in the Park is Nov. 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the same location. Volunteer registration opens Nov. 2. Information: ushs.org/volunteer. Email: volunteer@ushs.org.