Nearly 2,000 homeless men, women and children gathered at the San Diego Rescue Mission for a hot Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings Saturday. The annual holiday meal takes place the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
About 200 volunteers, many from The Rock Church in Point Loma, served hot turkey dinners and personal necessities including t-shirts, socks, towels, shampoo, soap, and lotion. The individuals and families on the street were also given information on the Rescue Mission's programs. The mood was festive with live music playing throughout the dinner.
"For the homeless population, the holidays are a tough time. They're very much by themselves, although they appear to be in groups and have friends. This is an opportunity for fellowship. A lot of them say it's a reminder of the family dinners they used to have with their old families that they're no longer united with. Another thing is, they never get a meal like this. They don't get the entertainment, it's just a different day for them, even if it's just an hour of happiness and fellowship," said Herb Johnson, Rescue Mission President and CEO.
Congresswoman Susan Davis from San Diego's 53rd District came to volunteer because of the enormous need to help the homeless in San Diego. "There will always be a need for the Rescue Mission. We need people to know it's available to them." Davis said
The San Diego Rescue Mission, located downtown, is one of the largest and most comprehensive rehabilitation centers for the homeless in California. Focusing on long-term treatment, the Rescue Mission houses hundreds of homeless and provides food, counseling, treatment, and work therapy. They are the only major homeless shelter in San Diego that does not receive government funding for its long-term rehabilitation programs.
"This year we've got a wonderful Christmas catalog that allows you to donate money to the mission and we'll send you a cerficiate to send as a gift for friends instead of buying them all that fruit they don't want or steaks or whatever," Johnson said.
If you would like to donate to the San Diego Rescue Mission or learn more about their initiatives visit www.sdrescue.org.
