Ventura County Rescue Mission hits the road with goal to deliver 2,000 Thanksgiving meals

The Ventura County Rescue Mission started its Thanksgiving meal distribution last week with plans to hand out 2,000 meals across the region by Wednesday.

On Friday, the nonprofit rescue mission delivered meals to Buen Pastor Church in Santa Paula, and dozens of people stopped by the church to get their premade turkey and trimmings.

For local stories that matter, subscribe today.

All told, the rescue mission will bring the food to more than 10 area locations, including its own Oxnard headquarters, one-stop sites, churches, motels and sister missions.

For decades, the rescue mission hosted large Thanksgiving meals for all but last year the gatherings were halted because of the pandemic. Instead, the organization's leaders and volunteers brought meals to the people.

More: Fillmore's Torres, Santa Paula's Ramirez win titles at Citrus Coast cross country finals

“What stemmed from a source of frustration turned into a wonderful opportunity to partner with other agencies, churches and the county One-Stop program to provide a delicious Thanksgiving meal to many more people in locations throughout the county," said recently named Director Michael Darden, who has served at the mission for 14 years as chaplain, program manager and most recently assistant director.

“Serving those who are experiencing hunger in our community gives us the opportunity to build relationships and trust. That meal might be the first step toward addressing the root causes of their homelessness, getting off the streets and transforming their lives."

The rescue mission has plenty of volunteers for this year's Thanksgiving meal distributions but has opportunities at the mission or its shelter, Lighthouse for Women and Children, Monday through Friday.

Visit vcrescuemission.org/volunteer to fill out a volunteer application.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Ventura County Rescue Mission hits the road with Thanksgiving meals