Santa Barbara Rescue Mission accepting turkeys, other donations for annual Thanksgiving Feast

SANTA BARABRA, Calif. – The Santa Barbara Rescue Mission announced it is now accepting turkeys, canned food, and monetary donations in preparation for its annual Thanksgiving Feast on Nov. 22.

The Rescue Mission said about 300 turkeys are needed for all the meals served throughout the holiday season.

The feast, which will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the dining hall on 535 E. Yanonali St., welcomes those who are homeless and other community members in need.

The organization said the staff, volunteers, and men in the Mission's 12-month Drug and Alcohol Residential Treatment Program plan to serve over 300 meals.

Organizers said this Turkey Drive is what makes the event possible, as the dinner will include turkey (prepared and cooked in advance), mashed potatoes and gravy, pie and all the trimmings.

"This Thanksgiving season, we expect to serve more than 10,000 meals," said Rolf Geyling, President of the Rescue Mission. "That means we have thousands of opportunities to help people change their lives this holiday season-including 300 just for Thanksgiving alone."

Organizers said donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the 535 East Yanonali Street office.

For more information, visit: sbrm.org.