Union Station Homeless Services (USHS) served Thanksgiving meals to the Pasadena community on November 26, 2025, providing both on-site dining and to-go options. This event, part of a series of goodwill initiatives across the San Gabriel Valley, attracted volunteers including actress Adina Porter, U.S. Representative Laura Friedman, Pasadena Councilmember Jessica Rivas, and Pasadena Housing Director Jim Wong.
The meals were prepared by USHS Food Program staff and volunteers at the organization’s Adult Center located at 412 S Raymond Blvd, Pasadena, California. Guests enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving spread, with no requirements for receiving a meal, allowing many to take food home to share with loved ones.
Adina Porter, who participated on behalf of the hunger relief organization Feeding America, expressed her gratitude for the event, noting her personal experience with food insecurity following the Eaton fire earlier this year. “I wish we didn’t live in a world where there was so much food insecurity, but I’m beyond grateful that there’s an organization like Feeding America that is fulfilling a need,” Porter stated.
The event received significant support from notable donors, including former Van Halen singer David Lee Roth, who contributed funds to assist with meal distribution. The Green Foundation and Bigo Live also made substantial contributions of $25,000 and $15,000, respectively.
Enduring Tradition of Thanksgiving Assistance
For over 50 years, USHS has embraced the tradition of Dinner in the Park, ensuring that no one who arrives seeking a warm meal is turned away. Many attendees this year faced challenges due to rising grocery prices and cuts to federal food benefits, making the annual meal service even more crucial.
On that day, community members gathered to enjoy hot meals, fostering a sense of togetherness. Laura Friedman remarked, “I am thankful for all the volunteers and staff that have helped make this year’s meal service a success, as well as all the families that come out to celebrate with us.”
In addition to the Thanksgiving event in Pasadena, other charitable activities were held across the region. In Altadena, the local Fair Oaks Burger restaurant hosted a food giveaway, while Kathryn Barger, Los Angeles County Supervisor, organized her annual Day of Giving, which included various community service events across the Fifth District. These initiatives featured volunteering efforts to assist Eaton fire survivors, serving meals to seniors, and supporting food distribution events.
The Day of Giving has become a hallmark of community engagement, with this year marking the eighth consecutive year that Supervisor Barger has led such efforts.
The Thanksgiving event not only fulfilled the immediate need for food but also highlighted the spirit of community and compassion that is essential during the holiday season. With ongoing challenges related to food insecurity, initiatives like these stand as a reminder of the importance of support and solidarity among community members.
