San Diego Rescue Mission marks 70 years with annual Thanksgiving community meal

Hundreds of San Diegans living on the streets lined up at the San Diego Rescue Mission (SDRM) in downtown on Saturday for the organization’s annual Thanksgiving meal. This year, the organization also marked 70 years of service to the community.

“There’s just a community that cares about the homeless, and we’re not going to wait for the government to fix this problem,” said Donnie Dee, the President and CEO of the San Diego Rescue Mission.

“We do this every year, it’s one of three meals that we do to feed the public, people sleeping on the streets,” said Dee.

SDRM provided free haircuts, showers, as well as medical and pet care as part of their annual community event. Nearly 1,000 people were given a warm meal indoors away from the storm.

“I love it, it’s one of my favorite days of the year,” said Dawn Grespan, one of the dozens of volunteers who helped organize the event.

Grespan has been a volunteer with SDRM for the last four years.

“It matters to the people that come and so it’s great that we’re here, it’s great that they get to get out of the rain and the elements for just a little bit, and to feel cared for,” said Grespan.

The San Diego Rescue Mission is a nonprofit, faith-based organization that relies entirely on donations and volunteers. For details on how you can volunteer or donate, you can visit their website.