Union Station to Host Dinner in the Park Nov 25
The Pasadena-based nonprofit aims to provide 6,000 holiday meals to local residents during its annual event.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Philanthropy
Live Poll
Is it becoming more difficult for your household to afford a traditional holiday meal this year?
Union Station Homeless Services will hold its 50-year-running Dinner in the Park event on November 25, 2026. The organization plans to distribute 6,000 Thanksgiving meals to community members across the San Gabriel Valley.
Why it matters
Rising food costs are increasing the financial burden on many households in Los Angeles County during the holiday season. The event seeks to mitigate this pressure by coordinating essential meal supplies for those in need.
The 2026 event goal requires 1,000 frozen turkeys, 8,000 dinner rolls, 2,500 cans of green beans, and 1,430 cans of cream of mushroom soup. The nonprofit currently supports 36 communities throughout the region.
The players
Union Station Homeless Services
This is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the San Gabriel Valley that provides services to 36 communities.
The details
The program relies on volunteer participation, community donations, and corporate support to meet the needs of the Service Planning Area. Supporters can provide supplies by purchasing items through online wishlists for direct shipment to the organization.
Timeline
November 2, 2026: Volunteer registration opens.
November 16-17, 2026: Turkey drive event at the USHS Adult Center.
November 18, 2026: Thanksgiving meal kit distribution.
November 24, 2026: Thanksgiving meals served at USHS housing locations.
November 25, 2026: Dinner in the Park event.
Market Landscape
This initiative scales with the ongoing food insecurity trends identified in the Los Angeles County Service Planning Area. It positions the organization to fill critical gaps in local social services as rising costs impact community accessibility.
Residents looking to assist can contribute by purchasing items through the organization's online wishlists. These donations directly impact the volume of supplies available for the 6,000 meals provided to families in the region.
The takeaway
Community-driven holiday support remains vital for addressing immediate food costs. Supporters are encouraged to utilize digital wishlists to ensure the nonprofit reaches its inventory targets for the upcoming season.
What happens next
Volunteer registration begins November 2, followed by a turkey drive on November 16-17, meal kit distribution on November 18, and final meal service at housing locations on November 24.
Further reading
Find more local outreach efforts in our Pasadena Philanthropy section.
More information
View complete details for the Dinner in the Park event information on the organization's portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
Live Poll
Is it becoming more difficult for your household to afford a traditional holiday meal this year?
