Union Station Homeless Services plans to serve 6,000 Thanksgiving meals this year through its Dinner in the Park program, and it needs 1,000 frozen turkeys to get there.

The nonprofit is one of several Pasadena-area organizations collecting food, gifts and volunteer hours heading into the holiday season. Here is what they need.

Union Station Homeless Services

Dinner in the Park has brought the community together for a Thanksgiving meal for more than 50 years, according to a Union Station press release. To hit its 6,000-meal goal, the organization is asking for 1,000 frozen turkeys, 8,000 dinner rolls, 2,500 cans of green beans and 1,430 cans of cream of mushroom soup, along with paper goods.

"Thanksgiving shouldn't be something families have to give up because they can't afford groceries," said Katie Hill, CEO of Union Station Homeless Services. "It's a trying time for many folks in our community. We know people are working hard and still struggling to put food on the table. That's why Dinner in the Park is about making sure our neighbors have a place to pick up a meal kit or enjoy their Thanksgiving with us communally."

The turkey drive runs Monday, Nov. 16, and Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the USHS Adult Center, 412 S. Raymond Ave. Free meal kits with a frozen turkey and ingredients go out Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the same location, while supplies last.

Dinner in the Park is Nov. 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To-go meals start at 10 a.m. and on-site dining begins at 11 a.m. Volunteer registration is open on their website. Supporters can also ship items through the organization's online wish lists on Amazon and Target.

Foothill Unity Center

Foothill Unity Center plans to distribute holiday food boxes on Tuesday, Nov. 17, and Wednesday, Nov. 18, in Pasadena and Monrovia, Pasadena Now reported. Walk-up service is available Nov. 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 191 N. Oak Ave. in Pasadena and 790 W. Chestnut Ave. in Monrovia. A drive-through distribution follows Nov. 18 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Monrovia location.

The center's holiday page lists the items it needs most: canned cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, evaporated milk, pumpkin puree, canned vegetables and grocery gift cards of $25 or more. Food donations can be dropped off at 790 W. Chestnut Ave. in Monrovia, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Foothill Unity Center also runs a holiday toy drive. Items in high demand include LEGO and building sets, sporting goods, board games, crafting kits and gift cards for teens.

Five Acres

Five Acres is running its annual Holiday Toy Drive, according to the organization's holiday page. Residents can donate a toy through the Five Acres Amazon Wish List or sponsor the residential program. Gifts should be delivered by Dec. 11.

Pasadena Jaycees

The Pasadena Jaycees' longest-running project, Operation Santa, has delivered gifts to thousands of children since 1934, according to the group's website. Children in Pasadena send letters to Santa, and volunteers dressed as Santa, Mrs. Claus and elves deliver toys to homes on Christmas Eve. The program serves children in eighth grade and younger.

Families can sponsor gifts starting at $30 for a family with two children. Donations by check go to Pasadena Jaycees Foundation, 474 W. Walnut St., Pasadena, CA 91103. Letter submissions typically open in mid-to-late November.

The Jaycees also partner with Friends In Deed each November on Operation Gobbler, providing Thanksgiving meal ingredients to hundreds of lower-income families since 1987, according to their Facebook.