|
|
 |
For over 30 years, Union Station Foundation has sponsored our annual Thanksgiving Dinner-in-the-Park, often referred to as the “Biggest Potluck in the Nation.” This event brings a hearty meal and holiday cheer to all who attend, many of whom are homeless, senior citizens, alone at the holidays and families on limited incomes. Faithful supporters bring donated turkeys, hams, side dishes and desserts to the park. Hundreds of volunteers are on hand to set up and decorate the park, accept the drive-up food donations and to serve the meals.
Last Thanksgiving, over 5,000 meals were served, including 150 turkeys and 5,000 pounds of potatoes. This event would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the 1,800 volunteers who spent part of their Thanksgiving with us.
Please click here to read the Pasadena Star-News article about our 2004 Thanksgiving Dinner-in-the-Park.
Volunteer on Thankgiving Day (Thursday, Nov. 22)
| 10:00 | 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 and After Thanksgiving (Wednesday, Nov. 21; Friday, Nov. 23)
Volunteers are urgently needed on November 21 and November 23. If you are available to volunteer during any time period on either of these days, please contact us at 626.240.4550 (x105).
Please click here to view the full list of food items needed.
Fully Cooked Turkeys and Hams - We desperately need volunteers who will help us gather enough turkeys for Thanksgiving. Please call 626.240.4550 (x542) if you can help in one of the following ways:
- Donate one or more cooked turkeys. Prepared turkeys can be dropped off at Central Park on Thanksgiving Day between 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM.
- Donate one or more uncooked turkeys. Uncooked turkeys can be dropped off at Union Station’s Adult Center (412 S. Raymond Avenue, Pasadena) on Friday, November 16 between the hours of 11:00 AM and 7:30 PM, or on Saturday, November 17 between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM.
- Volunteer to cook one or more
turkeys that have been donated. Volunteer cooks can pick up
turkeys at our Adult Center (412 S. Raymond Avenue,
Pasadena) on Saturday, November 17 between 12:00 PM and 2:00
PM or on Monday, November 19 between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
Side Dishes, safely prepared in aluminum, disposable containers, including: casseroles, spaghetti, lasagna, mashed potatoes without gravy and vegetables
Desserts (please, no jello)
Food can be dropped off at Central Park on the Fair Oaks Avenue side of the park, from 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM on Thanksgiving morning.
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
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 AM and 1:00 PM. Volunteers are needed at all times, but are desperately needed between 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM. Please consider volunteering from 1:00 to 3:30, or on November 21 or 23. Your time will be greatly appreciated!
Do I need a reservation to volunteer?
No. Unless you will attend Dinner-in-the-Park with a group of 10 or more, 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. 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 in the park alone.
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.
|
|
|
|