Annual Thanksgiving 5K aims to provide more than 30,000 meals for families transitioning out of homelessness amid rising food insecurity.

Orange County Rescue Mission (OCRM) is urgently seeking donations of canned and packaged foods to support the growing number of homeless and low-income individuals relying on its transitional housing and food distribution programs.

In response to the rising community need and to increase its stock of canned and dry goods, OCRM is also offering a $5 discount on registration for its 12th Annual Turkey Trot OC 5K, held Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025, at 8 a.m., to anyone who donates five or more canned or dry food items at the Rescue Mission’s Village of Hope campus in Tustin. The discount will be offered until Friday, November 14, 2025. To receive the discount, donors are asked to take a photo of themselves with their donation in front of the Village of Hope donation warehouse drop-off and email the photo to events@rescuemission.org. OCRM will then email the discount code.

“With the ongoing number of people expected to turn to shelters and transitional living communities like OCRM during the holiday season, we must be well-equipped,” said Bryan Crain, President of Orange County Rescue Mission. “Canned and packaged foods are a lifeline for our residents and others who come to us for food. Every donation helps us provide nourishment, stability, and food security to those rebuilding their lives.”

OCRM is requesting donations of canned items such as tuna, meat, fruit, vegetables, spaghetti or marinara sauce, beans, and soup, as well as packaged items like peanut butter, rice, cereal, snack bars, pasta, and instant noodles.

Donations can be dropped off daily between 8 am and 5 pm at Village of Hope, 1 Hope Drive, Tustin, CA 92782, or shipped directly via online order. Only donations dropped off in person at Village of Hope with an emailed photo areeligible for the Turkey Trot OC discount.

Proceeds from the Turkey Trot OC 5K help provide more than 30,000 meals for formerly homeless individuals and families served by OCRM. The family-friendly event features participant medals and race T-shirts (while supplies last), with awards across multiple age divisions and prizes for top male and female finishers.

For information on donating food items, visit www.rescuemission.org/items. To register for the Turkey Trot OC 5K, visit https://www.rescuemission.org/turkey-trot/.

For any questions, please email info@rescuemission.org.  

About Orange County Rescue Mission

Orange County Rescue Mission’s goal is to minister the love of Jesus Christ to the Least, the Last, and the Lost of our community through the provision of assistance in the areas of guidance, counseling, education, job training, shelter, food, clothing, health care and independent living communities.

The Rescue Mission was formed as a faith-based organization in 1963. Since that time, the Rescue Mission has shared hope through Jesus Christ to those without hope in Orange County. Our programs are designed to give comprehensive services that move homeless men, women, veterans, and children to self-sufficiency. Its programs and dedication to going above and beyond have earned the organization numerous recognitions including Charity Navigator’s highest rating of 4 stars.

To make a donation or inquire about volunteer opportunities with Orange County Rescue Mission, please contact (714) 247-4300 or visit https://www.rescuemission.org/.