Food, Helpers Sought for Holiday Dinners

Volunteers and food donations are being sought across the county to help serve thousands of free Thanksgiving Day meals to the needy, organizers said Tuesday.

Here are some of the programs, restaurants and organizations seeking workers, food and donations:

* Anaheim. La Casa Garcia restaurant needs 250 turkeys, stuffing and mixed vegetables to serve 15,000 meals. The restaurant, at 531 W. Chapman Ave., will be serving from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Information: (714) 740-1108.

* Costa Mesa. Rea Community Center, 661 Hamilton St. Information: (714) 548-8861.

* Fullerton. Home Front Church, 808 W. Commonwealth Ave., plans to serve between 750 and 800 meals to the homeless. Cooked hams, turkeys and pies are needed for the 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. feast.

In addition, 120 volunteers are needed to help serve the food. Also, blankets and jackets are wanted to give the dinner guests. Information: (714) 680-0401.

* Placentia. Placentia Presbyterian Church, 849 N. Bradford Ave. Information: (714) 528-1438.

* San Clemente. Ragamuffins restaurant, 1527 N. El Camino Real. Information: (714) 492-3255.

* Santa Ana. The Orange County Rescue Mission still needs 4,000 cans of yams, green beans, corn and peas, 1,000 boxes of stuffing and 250 turkeys and pumpkins to serve 38,000 Thanksgiving dinners, organizers said.

The outreach and soup kitchen will be packing the dinners into boxes and distributing them to the poor and homeless, said Yumi Sera, a spokeswoman for the project.

Hot food also will be served at the mission, 1901 W. Walnut St. Donations may be dropped off there. Information: (714) 863-8290, Ext. 15.