Donation Dip Imperils Charity Holiday Meal

With less than one week left, organizers of the county’s largest free Thanksgiving dinner that feed thousands of needy people each year say the recession has caused donations to dip, threatening the event’s success.

“We do intend to have it, but things are worse than last year,” said Diana Marquez, a volunteer in charge of publicity.

The dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday in the parking lot of La Casa Garcia restaurant, 531 W. Chapman Ave. in Anaheim.

More than 400 turkeys, 2 tons of potatoes, 2 tons of vegetables and other items are still needed for the dinner. Organizers say they still plan to feed 10,000 people that day.

Restaurant owner Frank Garcia said he intends to feed “anyone who shows up,” and remains optimistic that a corporation or individual will come forward and help.

“We will not be short of food,” Garcia said. “God is bigger than that, He provides for the world. You think I’m going to worry about whether or not He will provide for this meal? No way. When you do something like this for His people, He watches and He blesses.”

Volunteers are needed to gather green beans from an Irvine field. Those interested should contact Charles Brain at (714) 528-5077. The field is near the Santa Ana Freeway at Jamboree Road.

People who want to donate food or money or volunteer their time should call the Ice House restaurant--which is helping coordinate the dinner--at (714) 525-3094.