The Orlando Union Rescue Mission served about 1,000 people Wednesday during its last Thanksgiving banquet at its current location in downtown Orlando.

  • Orlando Union Rescue Mission hosts Thanksgiving banquet
  • It was homeless shelter's last banquet at iconic downtown facility
  • 1,000 men, women and children turned out for free meal, clothes

Staffers and volunteers at the homeless shelter on Central Boulevard worked for weeks to make sure the dinner went as smoothly as possible. They served turkey and traditional fixings to anyone in the community who may need help or want camaraderie.

The event has always drawn huge numbers, not only those who will dine, but this year, for those who want to serve as well.

"Since this is our last banquet at this facility, it's something special that people wanted to be a part of, so we had an outpouring of volunteers, people who wanted to come serve this last time," Rescue Mission Community Relations Manager Elizabeth Lynn said.

"We have 15 people here, and 12 of them have never done this before," volunteer Justo Nunez said.

People who turned out were also able to get personal hygiene items and new clothes as well.

The Rescue Mission moved into the former New England Hotel on Central Boulevard in July 1960. The iconic 21-foot red neon cross on top of the building was put up two years later and was designated an Orlando historic landmark in 2002.

A new facility is under construction on West Colonial Drive near John Young Parkway.