November 7, 2008
Pasadena Now
“The van was essential to Dinner-in-the-Park. We need to transport hundreds of pounds of food and donated toys for the kids,” says Executive Director Marvin Gross.
From Staff Reports
Pasadena Now
A large cargo van was stolen last Sunday from the parking lot of Union Station Homeless Services in Pasadena.
The van, which was used to transport food, clothing and other goods for the City’s poorest community members, still has not been found. The crime has left staff and shelter residents shaken, wondering who would steal from a charity.
It has also left staff wondering how they will transport food donations for the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners-in-the-Park. The annual holiday events unite thousands of volunteers with homeless adults and families, senior citizens, and those who are alone at the holidays or unable to afford a holiday meal. All who are hungry may come to eat.
“Each year we serve more than 5,000 meals on Thanksgiving and 3,500 meals on Christmas to homeless and hungry community members,” said Marvin Gross, Union Station’s Executive Director. “The van was essential to Dinner-in-the-Park. We need to transport hundreds of pounds of food and donated toys for the kids.”
Union Station is seeking the donation of a cargo vehicle in excellent working condition. Monetary contributions can be made online at www.unionstationhs.org or mailed to: Union Station Homeless Services (Donations Van), 825 E. Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104. For more information, call (626) 240-4557 .
Union Station Homeless Services is the San Gabriel Valley’s largest social service agency assisting homeless and very low-income adults and families. Its mission is to help homeless men, women and children rebuild their lives and end homelessness.
Union Station provides comprehensive services to help homeless individuals achieve self-sufficiency, including intake and assessment, emergency shelter, case management, career counseling, transitional housing, medical and mental health services, women’s and family services, and housing resources.