TUSTIN (CNS) - The Orange County Rescue Mission put out a call today for donations of ingredients for side dishes needed to put on 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,'' said Jim Palmer, president of the 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.''
According to Palmer, the Rescue Mission typically receives a generous amount of turkeys ahead of the holiday, but is in ``desperate need'' of:
-- 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;
-- 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; and
-- 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,'' Palmer said.
Anyone wishing to donate any of the requested items may drop off donations at the Orange County Rescue Mission's Village of Hope, located at 1 Hope Drive in Tustin.
Donations can also be ordered online and delivered to Village of Hope. Contact Katie Roberts at (714) 247-4389 or email her at katie.robertsrescuemission.org for more information.
The donation warehouse is open between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.