The O.C. Rescue Mission needs food donations so they can feed the homeless on Thanksgiving

ORANGE COUNTY RESCUE MISSION ANNOUNCES URGENT NEED FOR MEAL FIXINGS AHEAD OF ANNUAL THANKSGIVING DINNER

Orange County, Calif. – As the holiday season kicks into gear, Orange County Rescue Mission is calling on the local community’s help for critical food donations of sides dishes ahead of its 53rd annual Thanksgiving dinner, which will feed more than 285 homeless men, women and children in the region.

“For many of us, Thanksgiving is another opportunity to gather with family and friends, and enjoy a delicious meal,” says Jim Palmer, President of Orange County Rescue Mission. “For those currently living at the Village of Hope and other local residents, this meal means so much more. Many residents have never had an opportunity to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, and we are urgently asking for food donations from the community so that we can offer a memorable holiday for those in need.”

Palmer notes that while the Rescue Mission typically receives a generous amount of turkeys ahead of the holiday, they are in desperate need of the community’s help to ensure an ample amount of the fixings that make a traditional Thanksgiving meal complete.

The Rescue Mission is currently in urgent need of:

SIDES:

200 pounds of red or Yukon Gold potatoes
360 boxes of stuffing
80 pounds of frozen cranberries
120 pounds of frozen green beans
60 pounds of frozen corn

OTHER INGREDIENTS:

100 cans of fried onions
100 cans of bread crumbs
50 cans of unseasoned pumpkin puree
50 pounds white granulated sugar
120 cans of cream of chicken soup
120 cans of cream of mushroom soup
360 boxes or cans of chicken stock
200 boxes or cans of beef stock

“We have seen such a generous outpour of help from the community over the years, and once again ask our neighbors to embrace the giving spirit this holiday and help us give back to those less fortunate,” continues Palmer.

Anyone wishing to donate any of the items listed above may drop off donations at the Orange County Rescue Mission’s Village of Hope, located at 1 Hope Drive in Tustin, California. Donations can also be ordered online and delivered to Village of Hope. Contact Katie Roberts at 714-247-4389 or katie.roberts@rescuemission.org for more information. The donation warehouse is open between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday.

About Orange County Rescue Mission

Orange County and Inland Empire Rescue Missions are part of a privately funded non-profit organization that uses Biblical principles in its programs such as relationships, finance, and parenting. The Rescue Mission’s innovative facilities and programs provide food assistance and shelter in addition to counseling, education, job training, mental wellness, life skills training, and medical services to provide a solid foundation for the transition to a self-sufficient life. Its programs and dedication to going above and beyond have earned the organization numerous recognitions including Charity Navigator’s highest rating of 4-Stars for transparency and accountability. To make a donation or inquire about volunteer opportunities with the Rescue Mission, please contact (714) 247-4320 or visit www.rescuemission.org.

Art Pedroza Editor

Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.

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