Local groups host Thanksgiving meals

By DAILY SOUND STAFF — Nov. 24, 2009

With the Thanksgiving holiday only days away, several local nonprofit groups are gearing up for their annual community feasts.

The Santa Barbara Rescue Mission is holding its yearly Thanksgiving meal tomorrow from noon to 2 p.m. With the help of 45 volunteers, the mission plans to serve more than 300 hot meals to community members in need in the mission’s dining hall at 535 Yanonali St.

“The Santa Barbara Rescue Mission will be home and family to more than 300 of our poorest neighbors who come to celebrate the holiday with us,” Rolf Geyling, the mission’s president, said in a news release. “But that’s just for our Thanksgiving Feast alone.”

He said the nonprofit organization expects to serve upwards of 20,000 meals to men, women and children during the last five weeks of the year, an increase of 20 percent compared to last year’s holiday season.

In addition to the Rescue Mission’s meal, the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara is also planning to hold an annual Thanksgiving feast at its clubhouse, 632 E. Canon Perdido St., for community members and club families.

The meal takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. this evening and several local leaders are expected to volunteer during the event, including employees and officials from Santa Barbara Bank & Trust. George Leis, the bank’s president, is expected to present the club with a special gift towards its Saturday program during the celebration.

Organic Soup Kitchen is also hosting a free community dinner for all comers at the Veterans Memorial Building. The largely organic meal will feature rosemary-roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, yams, salad, vegetables and pumpkin pie.

The free event takes place on Thanksgiving Day from noon to 5 p.m. at 112 W. Cabrillo Blvd.

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