SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sacramento Loaves & Fishes is preparing for its 40th annual Thanksgiving meal. It's a nonprofit organization committed to helping the homeless, especially during the holiday season.
Volunteers will serve about 500 homeless people turkey with all the fixings Tuesday. It takes about three to four days to prepare the meal. Staff and volunteers have been preparing turkey, gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, yams, cranberry sauce, green beans, rolls and more.
In November 1983, Loaves & Fishes served its first Thanksgiving meal to about 70 homeless people. The annual holiday meal is made possible through donations and support from community members, local businesses and other nonprofit organizations.
"We are grateful for the generous community support that makes this celebratory meal possible," said Angela Hassell, executive director of Loaves & Fishes. "Tomorrow, our guests will eat a delicious feast lovingly prepared just for them. With each bite, they will feel welcomed, honored and seen as our campus comes alive to celebrate this holiday of thanksgiving in the spirit of true radical hospitality and community."
This year, the Thanksgiving meal is being held to honor Loaves & Fishes co-founders, Chris and Dan Delany. The organization said Dan died in October 2015 after years of living with dementia and Chris died of old age in September 2023. The organization said, "The meal is the beginning of what will surely be many more years of the Delany's radical legacy of hospitality for those otherwise forgotten."
The Thanksgiving meal will be held Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the dining room at Loaves & Fishes at 1321 North C Street in Sacramento.
Even though volunteers are no longer needed for the holiday event, donations are always welcomed year-round. Loaves & Fishes is encouraging all to donate, especially cold weather items, like jackets, blankets, socks and more. A full donation list is available on the Loaves & Fishes website.