Every table was filled at the pre-Thanksgiving meal at the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - With a kitchen full of food donations, or the funding to buy what's needed, a full Thanksgiving meal has been served up for all in need who came through the doors at the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission.
The tradition is to have this meal on the day before Thanksgiving with a special focus from community volunteers coming in to be part of the serving staff. .  Part of their time here was just to converse and hear the stories of those who came in for a hot meal and to give thanks.
The Rescue Mission President Rolf Geyling says, "Struggling with homelessness is difficult every day of the year, but it's especially difficult during the holidays when we're often reminded of what we don't have."
The time to eat together helps, and the conversations can also lead to a better path going forward.
"The rescue mission tries to bring some specialists into the holiday for men and women who are struggling and we hope that is kind of the first step they might have toward being reestablished in the community, finding recovery," said Geyling.
The meal is a full turkey dinner with all the trimmings and desserts.
They were served between 2 - 4 p.m at 535 East Yanonali Street.
Santa Barbara Rescue Mission Director of Homeless Services Jerianne Fletcher said, "we just come here this afternoon very thankful to be here and thankful to all be together."
At one point everyone paused in between bites and together they gave thanks.
"We thank you for all the hands for the past few days and all the hard work that has gone into it," said Fletcher.
For many it is the best meal they have had in a long time.
Geyling told the group, "this meal is provided by people in Santa Barbara, men and women in the church community that want you to know that you are loved. So thank you for joining us."
Kendra Nolan said it was a classic meal with , "mashed potatoes,  corn, you also have turkey which is a typical thanksgiving but we are very grateful to have it."
It was served in a setting that brought comfort and friendship in a vital way.
Nolan said, "right now i'm homeless, I am sleeping on the streets. Ihave been in the warming centers for two days at the Unitarian Society church."
One of those dining here not only came to be part of this special meal and gathering, but also helps out in the community with those in need on a regular basis.
Kyle Calvello said, "they always go all out here every year to help everyone. I eat here I volunteer around the community  every now and then so I give back.
Thursday Adam's Angels will be serving a community Thanksgiving meal at noon at the Veterans Memorial Building on Cabrillo Blvd. This event will also include live entertainment.
