Rescue Mission Serves Up Early Thanksgiving Feast

The Rescue Mission served up an early Thanksgiving meal Wednesday afternoon to around 300 people.

Music filled the air as people waited patiently in line for a seat at the table. Molasses Jones said the food is worth the wait.

“I’m happy because it tastes like a meal you would pay a lot of money for in Montecito on Thanksgiving,” she said.

To feed all the guests at the Rescue Mission, it takes a lot of time and turkeys.

“(I) cooked up 68 turkeys,” said Danny Osti, the kitchen supervisor.

The men in the recovery program make everything in just two days. They got up early to put the finishing touches on the feast starting at 6 a.m.

“We’re like a well oiled machine in here,” said Walt Rouse, a men’s recovery program participant.

The assembly line in the kitchen made sure the 45 volunteers could serve up enough food for all.

“It’s actually a big task. It feels good. There’s a lot of people that don’t have a place to have Thanksgiving so we’re giving back to them so they have a nice warm spot and good food to eat,” said Shane Barker, a men’s recovery program participant.

After seconds, thirds and to-go plates were given out, dessert was served.

“Every time we feed the homeless, if there’s that one person who just really super appreciates it, it makes everything worth while. It feels real good,” said Rouse.

Donated time and food made Thanksgiving at the Rescue Mission come together, giving the most needy in the community a place to eat and visit during the holiday.