Santa Barbara Rescue Mission Thanksgiving Feast

Talented Cooks Serving Up Favorite Thanksgiving Foods

By Bonnie Carroll

The Santa Barbara Rescue Mission held its annual Thanksgiving Feast on Wednesday, November 21, where volunteers from the community served over 300 meals to men, women, and children in need. Due to the Rescue Mission 40,00 square foot remodel, including their kitchen ad main dining hall, the feast was held in the Rescue Mission’s refurbished chapel located at 535 East Yanonali Street. The temporary kitchen was used to prepare a dinner of turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, gravy, cranberries, rolls with butter and delicious pumpkin pie served with a variety of beverages which was greatly appreciated by guests attending the feast.

Rolf Geyling says grace before the feast

According to Rolf Geyling, president of the Rescue Mission who gave a beautiful grace before the dinner began “the need to serve the homeless is great during the holiday season. So many men, women, and children in need turn to the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission every day. We expect to serve more than 10,000 meals between now and the end of the year.”

Volunteers included friends of SBRM as well as whole families of volunteers, some media members who show up annually to lend a helping hand, area Boy Scouts whose efforts are greatly appreciated by the Mission. Rolf Geyling’s talented children entertained visitors with their music at the front door, and young volunteers helped top the pumpkin pies with whipped cream. Everyone enjoyed the delicious dinner prepared by an outstanding and hardworking culinary team of Mission members. I have always said this group should open a restaurant because the meals they prepare are so delicious; they began preparation a week prior to the feast.

Little Volunteers Preparing the Pumpkin Pie

The Santa Barbara Rescue Mission Thanksgiving Feast is possible due to generous donations of product and money, and they will be accepting food and monetary donations for their upcoming Christmas Feast. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m and 2:00 p,m at 535 East Yanonali Street office. Visit www.sbrm.org for additional information.