THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS DINNERS-IN-THE-PARK For over 30 years, Union Station Homeless Services has sponsored annual Dinners-in-the-Park on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Held in Pasadena's Central Park, these events bring together thousands of volunteers to serve a hearty meal and holiday cheer to less fortunate community members. Last year we served 8.500 meals on Thanksgiving and Christmas to people who were homeless, senior citizens, alone at the holidays, or unable to afford a holiday meal. Help make this holiday season special by volunteering or donating food or toys for our events. For more information, please call 626.240.4550 x542. How to Help Volunteer at the Events (Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day) 9:30  AM  -  11:30  AM   Set up 11:30  AM  -  2:00  PM   Serve food & beverages 1:30  PM  -  4:00  PM   Break down tables & chairs, wash dishes, clean up. (We REALLY need help here!) Volunteer the Day Before or Day After (Nov. 26 and Nov. 28, Dec. 24th and Dec. 26th) If you are available to volunteer the day before or day after either event, please contact Union Station at 626.240.4550 (x124). Donate New Toys for Christmas Santa Claus gives away toys to about 1,000 children at Union Station’s Christmas Dinner-in-the-Park. If you can donate new toys for Union Station’s Christmas Dinner-in-the-Park, please call us at 626.240.4550 (x542). Donate Prepared Food Please click here to view the full list of food items needed. Fully Cooked Turkeys and Hams - For instructions on safely preparing turkeys, please visit the USDA website at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Poultry_Preparation_Fact_Sheets/index.asp Side Dishes - Side dishes must be safely prepared in disposable aluminum containers: casseroles, spaghetti, lasagna, mashed potatoes without gravy and vegetables Desserts (please, no jello) Cook Turkeys or Hams Volunteer cooks can pick up one or more of the donated uncooked turkeys or hams at our Adult Center (412 S. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena). If you are unable to cook a turkey in your home, kitchen space is available for use by groups or individuals. Contact volunteer@unionstationhs.org for more information. Food can be dropped off at Central Park on the corner of Fair Oaks Avenue and Del Mar Boulevard, from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving and Christmas mornings. Frequently Asked Questions about Dinners-in-the-Park When is the best time for me to volunteer in the park? We usually have over 1,000 volunteers in the park between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Volunteers are needed at all times, but are desperately needed between 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Your time will be greatly appreciated! Do I need a reservation to volunteer? No, you do not need a reservation to volunteer. What should I do when I arrive at the park? When you arrive at Central Park, go directly to the Volunteer Registration table on the Raymond Avenue side of the park. The volunteers there will give you a nametag and assign you a task. Can my children volunteer? Children can volunteer at Dinner-in-the-Park as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Central Park is very big and thousands of people attend this event. Children should never be left alone in the park. Where should I park? Street parking is available surrounding the park. Please park legally and according to posted regulations. Do I need to attend a Volunteer Orientation to volunteer at Dinner-in-the-Park? No. More questions? View an extended Printable FAQ. Photos by Michael Sampiano