City Center is located at 2025 E. Dakota Ave., in Fresno and is home to multiple nonprofits assisting people and families in crisis. Photo by Ben Hensley

The Fresno Mission and Central California Food Bank will bring together two of the city’s largest assistance-based nonprofits to the fifth-annual One Table Fresno event, bringing together community members, organizations and volunteers for the holiday event.

First hosted in 2021 in Downtown Fresno, the event will see 4,500 hot steak meals served to families in need

This year’s event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22 at the City Center campus, located at 2025 E. Dakota Ave. The center, which serves as an organizational hub for nonprofits and as an assistance hub for those in need, has seen organizations moving into its home in the center of Fresno since it began opening several years ago; earlier this year the center opened its 73-room housing facility for people in crisis.

The One Table event fulfills both nonprofits’ goals of assisting families both directly, through community feeding events, and helping families at home; in addition to hot meals, 4,500 coats for children and adults will be donated at the event.

“This collaborative event represents the ongoing commitment of both the Fresno Mission and Central California Food Bank to provide resources, hope, and support for Fresno’s families,” the Fresno Mission said in a news release Monday. “Through One Table Fresno, both organizations aim to offer a gathering place that promotes unity, celebrates community, and brings together individuals from all walks of life to connect, share, and support each other.”

The event will also see over 1,000 turkeys donated to attendees and holiday bags of non-perishable food to complete their holiday meals. Families in attendance can also engage in a resource fair and family fun zone, including photo opportunities with Santa Claus and other family fun events.

“One Table Fresno is more than a meal — it’s a moment where our entire city comes together as one family,” said Fresno Mission CEO Matt Dildine. “When people sit at the table, they feel dignity and belonging. That’s what this is all about.”

Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with a range of expert partners from City Center who will help provide access to mental health care, education and foster youth services, addiction recovery and more.

Volunteers can sign up to assist the event here. Many volunteer spots on the event day have been filled, however, volunteers are still needed to assist in preparation in the days leading up to the event.