Fresno Rescue Mission celebrates Thanksgiving early and in a new home

The Fresno Rescue Mission celebrated Thanksgiving early, hosting its traditional holiday luncheon on Tuesday at its temporary home.

The mission that was founded in 1949 is a nonprofit, faith-based charity. Its G Street home in downtown Fresno is in the construction zone for high-speed rail, so the mission has moved into temporary buildings across the street from its campus.

Tuesday was the first Thanksgiving in the temporary home. Lunch was served in the chapel building which, at 2,800 square feet, only had room for 150 diners at a time. The mission served continuously, planning meals for about 500.

Fresno Rescue Mission executive director Matthew Dildine said over 30 volunteers and 80 members of the mission’s academy program. helped produce the luncheon. Mission staff said between 25-30 turkeys were used in preparing more than 900 slices of turkey breast meat with plenty of stuffing, potatoes, vegetables and pumpkin pie to go along.

For more information about Fresno Rescue Mission including how to help, go to www.fresnorm.org.