Thanksgiving goodwill flows in the ‘Denas’

Union Station Homeless Services Wednesday, Nov. 26, served on-site and to-go Thanksgiving meals to the Pasadena community, one of a sprinkling of events in the San Gabriel Valley spreading compassion.

The organization got some help serving meals from actors including Adina Porter, who volunteered alongside Rep. Laura Friedman, D-Burbank; Pasadena Councilmember Jessica Rivas and Pasadena Housing Director Jim Wong.

Porter attended on behalf of Feeding America, a hunger relief organization. Porter lost her home in the Eaton fire earlier this year.

“I wish we didn’t live in a world where there was so much food insecurity, but beyond grateful that there’s an organization like Feeding America that is fulfilling a need,” Porter said.

Former Van Halen singer David Lee Roth provided Union Station Homeless Services with sizable donations to help with the distribution. The Green Foundation, $25,000, and Bigo Live, $15,000, also stepped up to support the event.

For more than 50 years, Dinner in the Park has not turned anyone away who shows up to partake of a warm, and free, Thanksgiving meal with a healthy helping of community. The very people who need this annual holiday help are facing rising grocery prices and cuts to federal government food benefits, and many more are likely to join their ranks this year.

On Wednesday, community members were able to sit-down or carry-out a hot Thanksgiving meal at the organization’s Adult Center.

The meals were prepared by USHS Food Program staff and volunteers and included a traditional Thanksgiving spread. No information was required to receive a meal, and guests were welcome to take meals home to share with friends, family, or household members.

“I am thankful for all the volunteers and staff that have helped make this year’s meal service a success, as well as the all the families that come out to celebrate with us,” Friedman said.

Thanksgiving goodwill was also happening up in Altadena, where Fair Oaks Burger was the site of a food giveaway, and where L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger led her annual Day of Giving the day before Thanksgiving at community service events across the Fifth District.

Activities included volunteering at an Altadena construction site helping an Eaton Fire survivor rebuild, serving meals to seniors, and supporting food distribution events. It was the eighth consecutive year Supervisor Barger has hosted the Day of Giving.

Freelance photographer Connor Terry contributed to this report.