Chef Richard Varble, who has cooked the annual Thanksgiving banquet at the Ventura County Rescue Mission in Oxnard for the past 18 years, tastes some of the turkeys prepared the morning of Nov. 20, 2025. The mission hosted its annual Thanksgiving banquet on Nov. 26.
Chef Richard Varble, who has cooked the annual Thanksgiving banquet at the Ventura County Rescue Mission in Oxnard for the past 18 years, tastes some of the turkeys prepared the morning of Nov. 20, 2025. The mission hosted its annual Thanksgiving banquet on Nov. 26.
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Ventura County Rescue Mission's Thanksgiving feast an annual tradition

It takes days, dozens of workers and as many turkeys to feed the hundreds of people who attend the Ventura County Rescue Mission’s annual Thanksgiving feast.

A nearly 50-year tradition, the mission opened its doors Nov. 26 for a sit-down meal of turkey, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie.

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For many of the guests, it’s their only chance to enjoy a holiday meal, said rescue mission Director Michael Darden. The mission provides a welcoming and loving place to join the tradition, he said.

“We love to be a blessing to people who might not have that opportunity,” Darden said previously.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Ventura County Rescue Mission’s Thanksgiving feast an annual tradition

Reporting by Ventura County Star / Ventura County Star

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

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