Union Station’s Thanksgiving Dinner for Homeless Residents Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Union Station Homeless Services offer three dates to volunteer

To mark the 50th anniversary of Dinner in the Park, a beloved holiday tradition, and adhere to COVID-19 safety standards, Union Station Homeless Services has created multiple ways to give thanks while giving back this Thanksgiving season. Volunteer registration opened Wednesday at unionstationhs.org/help/volunteer/ to help on either Nov. 11, 25 and 26.

Every year volunteer opportunities fill up within the first 24 hours. Volunteers are encouraged to log on early to secure a spot. The online individual or group application are available at unionstationhs.org/help/volunteer/ for the three opportunities.

Nov. 18 – the week before Thanksgiving 

For clients with access to a kitchen and the desire to cook their own Thanksgiving meals, up meal supply boxes, filled with all the ingredients you will need. This will be a no-contact pick-up at the Adult Center. Service time: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 25 – the day before Thanksgiving

For clients who want to enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving meal but don’t have access to a kitchen or don’t wish to cook, portioned and prepared Thanksgiving dinners will be handed out at the Adult Center. Service time: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 26 – Thanksgiving Day

Union Station Homeless Services will be serving private, festive sit-down dinners for residents at the Adult Center, Family Center, and Centennial Place. These events are not open to the public. Limited volunteer roles are available. Service time: 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

While this year might bring unique methods of celebrating Thanksgiving, there still is one distinct purpose: to feed those in need with a full holiday meal. Volunteer to make all three of these days impactful for those in need this holiday season. Those with questions should email volunteer@unionstationhs.org.

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