Carving it Up for Thanksgiving

In preparation for Union Station Homeless Services’ upcoming “Dinner in the Park” event feeding thousands of those in need this week, Pasadena City Councilmember Tyron Hampton joined Union Station CEO Anne Miskey and Sodexo staff members at the Pasadena Convention Center kitchen Monday morning to carve and prepare 200 turkeys. 

“No one should be without a dinner on Thanksgiving,” said Hampton, before wielding a carving knife on the dozens of turkeys he would prepare.  

The turkey prep is an 11-year tradition for the Pasadena Convention Center.

“We are incredibly fortunate that the Pasadena Convention Center and Sodexo Live! are able to help those in need with our contributions to Thanksgiving Dinner in the Park,” Michael Ross, CEO of the Pasadena Center Operating Company, has said. 

Sodexo Live provides hospitality services, including catering and event management, at the Pasadena Convention Center. 

Union Station will serve its first public outdoor “Dinner in the Park” Wednesday since the onset of the pandemic at its Raymond Avenue headquarters.

As of Monday morning, community members have donated 475 turkeys, 450 pies, 5,000 dinner rolls, and 500 boxes of mashed potato mix to be distributed to walk-up, drive-in and seated dinner guests.

“We are so grateful for the compassion and holiday spirit our local supporters have demonstrated. It’s incredibly heartwarming. A sincere thank you,”  said Anne Miskey, CEO of Union Station Homeless Services.

Meals will be distributed beginning at 9 a.m.  to walk-up and drive up guests, while the first sit-down meal since the pandemic will take place at noon. The meals are free and available to all who show up.

Union Station Homeless Services Adult Center is at 412 S Raymond Ave., Pasadena, CA. (626) 240-4550. www.unionstation.org.