Santa Claus, Celebrities Join Union Station Foundation to Serve a Christmas Dinner-in-the-Park to 3,000 Poor and Homeless Families
700 volunteers, music recording artists and film/TV actors spread holiday cheer by serving dinner at Pasadena Central Park and passing out 1,000 toys to needy children.
Pasadena, CA (PRWEB) December 21, 2005 -- Santa Claus is coming to town to pass out toys to 1,000 children and help serve dinner to 3,000 poor and homeless families. On Christmas Day (Sunday, Dec. 25, 2005), Santa and 700 volunteers, including celebrity guests, will join the Union Station Foundation for its annual Christmas Dinner-in-the-Park event to be held at Pasadena Central Park (corner of Del Mar Blvd. and Fair Oaks Ave.) at noon. A more than 30-year-old tradition, this event will serve a hearty meal and holiday cheer to all who attend, many of whom are homeless, senior citizens, alone at the holidays and families on limited incomes.
“We’ve never had to worry about the success of this event because every year our faithful supporters bring donated turkeys, hams, side dishes and desserts to the park,” said Rabbi Marvin Gross, executive director, Union Station Foundation. “This heartwarming event would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of the hundreds of volunteers who spend part of their Christmas Day with us.”
For more than 30 years, Union Station has sponsored the annual Christmas Dinner-in-the-Park. “We usually have around 1,000 volunteers in the park between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Volunteers are needed at all times, but are desperately needed between 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM for clean-up. Also, anyone who would like to bring food or toy donations should contact us as soon as possible,” said Gross.
Union Station Foundation assists poor and homeless families and individuals to rebuild their lives:
·“My family and I have progressed and benefited because of Union Station’s unconditional love and help of unlimited resources, referrals, furniture, food, supplies and donations. Today we feel like a family again and as though we can make it. All we needed was a little love and some help and plenty of guidance.” – Cheryl Johnson, a USF client
·“Thank you for giving me back my life.” – Alan, a former USF client
·“I wanted to take advantage of everything Union Station had to offer. I really like going to meetings and sharing with the other residents and alumni. That is why Union Station is so special to me. They give you so much without taking anything in return.” – Danny, a former USF resident
A cast of celebrities has been invited to participate this year. The most current confirmed list includes: Rae’Vin Larrymore Kelly, actress; Deana Evans, R&B recording artist, new CD to be released in 2006; Steffani Brass, award-winning actress (HBO’s “Six Feet Under”); and Dylan Christopher, actor (“Seabiscuit” and CBS’ “Phil of the Future”).
How to help:
Volunteer on Christmas Day (Sunday, Dec. 25)
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Set up
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM Serve food & beverages
1:30 PM - 4:00 PM Break down tables & chairs, wash dishes, clean up
(We really need help here)
Donate New Toys
Santa Claus attends Union Station’s Christmas Dinner-in-the-Park. So do about 1,000 children. If you can donate new toys for the event, please call USF at 626-240-4550, ext. 105.
Donate Prepared Food
·Fully Cooked Turkeys and Hams (for instructions on safely preparing turkeys, please visit the USDA website at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Poultry_Preparation_Fact_Sheets/index.asp
·Side dishes, safely prepared in aluminum, disposable containers, including: casseroles, spaghetti, lasagna, mashed potatoes without gravy and vegetables
·Desserts
Food can be dropped off at Central Park on the corner of Fair Oaks Avenue and Del Mar Boulevard, from 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM on Christmas morning.
For an advanced interview, images and more about the event please contact George McQuade, 818-340-5300 or 818-618-9229, or visit the USF website: www.unionstationfoundation.org; or www.MayoCommunications.com or www.MayoPR.com.
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