Union Station to Host Thanksgiving Meal Drive
The Pasadena organization aims to provide 6,000 holiday meals for residents through its long-running program.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Union Station Homeless Services is requesting food donations to support its goal of providing 6,000 Thanksgiving meals in November 2026. The effort supports residents facing food insecurity through its annual Dinner in the Park and holiday distribution events.
Why it matters
This appeal helps the organization sustain its long-standing commitment to providing essential nutrition to community members facing financial hardship during the holiday season. The effort ensures that individuals and families in the area have access to traditional holiday meals.
The organization requires 1,000 frozen turkeys, 1,500 boxes of cornbread, and 2,500 cans of green beans to reach its 6,000-meal goal. Past requests have included 8,000 dinner rolls and 1,430 cans of cream of mushroom soup.
The players
Union Station Homeless Services
A Pasadena-based organization that has provided housing and support services to individuals facing homelessness for over five decades.
The details
Supporters can contribute supplies via Amazon and Target wishlists to assist with the holiday distribution. The program, which has operated for over 50 years, makes meal kits available to anyone regardless of prior program participation.
Timeline
Volunteer registration opens through a digital portal on November 2, 2026.
A Turkey Drive will take place at the Adult Center on November 16-17, 2026.
The organization will distribute Thanksgiving meal kits on November 18, 2026.
Meals will be provided to participants at housing locations on November 24, 2026.
The public Dinner in the Park event is scheduled for November 25, 2026.
Market Landscape
This food drive follows the established pattern of the annual Dinner in the Park, which has been a staple of local philanthropy for over 50 years. The organization remains a primary provider of food security services, distinguishing its long-term operational scale from smaller regional efforts.
Residents and community members can access meal kits regardless of their participation in other support programs while supplies last. Supporters looking to participate can direct their contributions toward the specific items requested through the organization's online wishlists.
The takeaway
Supporting long-running community programs ensures reliable access to holiday meals for neighbors in need. Residents can contribute by sourcing specific pantry items requested by the organization or by signing up to assist with event logistics.
What happens next
Volunteer registration opens on November 2, followed by a Turkey Drive on November 16 and 17, and meal distribution on November 18, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts in the Pasadena Philanthropy section.
More information
To register as a volunteer or coordinate donations, visit the volunteer registration portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Pasadena Now.
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