Union Station’s Weeklong ‘Dinner in the Park’ to Feed Thousands in Pasadena Next Month

[photo credit: Union Station Homeless Services]

Union Station Homeless Services is calling on Pasadena residents to donate 750 frozen turkeys, thousands of pies and rolls, and volunteer time for its annual “Dinner in the Park,” a weeklong Thanksgiving campaign expected to feed thousands of neighbors in need.

The effort culminates in a community meal Nov. 26 at the nonprofit’s Adult Center on South Raymond Avenue.

According Union Station, the event unfolds in three phases:

Turkey Drive (Nov. 17–18, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.) — Donors may drop off frozen turkeys and holiday staples at 412 S. Raymond Ave. Requested items include stuffing mix, instant mashed potatoes, canned green beans, whole-kernel corn, cranberry sauce, gravy packets, mac & cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and desserts.
Meal-Kit Distribution (Nov. 19, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.) — Community members in need may receive a Thanksgiving box at the same location. Kits are slated to include a turkey, pie, rolls, stuffing mix, instant potatoes, green beans, corn, gravy mix, and crispy onions.
Thanksgiving Meal Service (Nov. 26, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.) — Union Station invites the public to share a meal at communal tables or take meals to go at its Adult Center, continuing a 50-plus-year tradition of providing holiday food with dignity.

Additional operational days include Nov. 19 and Nov. 25–27, which Union Station lists as preparation and logistics dates tied to the event.

The organization’s current wish lists also include paper goods and serviceware to support large-scale distribution. Examples include clamshell containers, cutlery packs, foil pans and lids, cups, serving tongs and spoons, dessert servers, grocery bags, gallon-size resealable bags, and deli cups.

Union Station notes that some items are marked “need met!” and asks donors to consult its urgent-needs page before purchasing to ensure contributions match current gaps.

Donation Drop-Off Locations and Hours:

Adult Center (412 S. Raymond Ave.): Daily, 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Administrative Office (825 E. Orange Grove Blvd.): Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

Union Station frames “Dinner in the Park” as a community-driven effort to ensure Pasadena neighbors have access to a holiday meal, whether at shared tables or to take home. Event details, volunteer sign-ups, and donation guidance are available at: