With less than a week until Thanksgiving, local nonprofits are gearing up to provide cooked meals and groceries to help people in need celebrate the holiday.
While financial experts insist that the economy has greatly improved, social services professionals counter that thousands of individuals and families in the L.A. area drift into poverty on a daily basis.
Supporting that theory are the latest statistics released by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) estimating that nearly 70,000 people were unhoused in L.A. County. LAHSA’s numbers, which were reported in September, were based on the agency’s point-in-time count conducted in February.
In light of that accounting, several organizations will offer free holiday provisions, starting this weekend. The following list denotes the date, location and organizers of some of the distributions.
Friday, Nov. 18, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Thanksgiving Grab and Go (drive-through only) Distribution, Algin Sutton Recreation Center, 8800 S. Hoover St., L.A. The free food baskets will contain a whole turkey, vegetables, dressing, holidays toys and gifts cards. The event is sponsored by the Brotherhood Crusade and Acts Inspired by Mookie, the foundation created by MLB player Mookie Betts. Other supporters are the L.A. Sentinel, Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson, SoCalGas, AIDS Health Foundation, SEIU 2015, Blue Shield of California, L.A. Dodgers Foundation and St. John’s Wellness Center.
Tuesday, Nov. 22, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., City of Inglewood Turkey Giveaway (drive through event). City officials will dispense free turkeys, sides and other food items to 2,500 residents. Advance registration is required. Co-sponsors include Don Lee Farms, Pepsi, Frito-Lay and Snoop Dogg.
Tuesday, Nov. 22, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Sen. Bradford’s 2022 Drive-Thru Boxed Food and Turkey Giveaway, El Camino College Campus Parking Lot B. Bradford and co-sponsors Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the El Camino College Foundation will distribute turkey or pork roast along with food items.
Wednesday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thanksgiving Food Giveaway, Most Worshipful Prince Hall Memorial Auditorium, 9027 S. Figueroa St., L.A. The distribution is hosted by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of California.
Wednesday, Nov. 23, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., L.A. Mission Thanksgiving Celebration, 316 Winston St., Los Angeles. Hot meals and basic necessities will be provided to men, women and children living on Skid Row. According to Troy Vaughn, president/CEO, “This Thanksgiving, we will make sure that 5,000 people on the streets of Los Angeles won’t go hungry.
“Just one Thanksgiving meal can open the door to a long-term healing relationship. We are trying our best to open closed minds as we pray that individuals on the street who are hurting will be able to taste and visualize how amazing their life could possibly be,” he added.
Suitcase Joe, a nonprofit focused on mental health care reform on Skid Row, is the co-sponsor of the celebration. Joy Jackson, founder, said, “Suitcase Joe takes pride in being a part of the Skid Row community. The people here are not just our neighbors; they are our friends.
“This holiday season, we are pleased to partner with the Los Angeles Mission to share love, kindness, and support with all our friends and neighbors, especially in their times of need.”
Wednesday, Nov. 23, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Measure of Hearts 3rd Annual Thanksgiving Dinner, 544 Towne Ave., L.A. Measure of Hearts plans to serve 500 meals to homeless individuals and families on Skid Row.
“We are a small but mighty organization, and we understand that Thanksgiving is a time for families to come together and share their abundance. Unfortunately, we have people who are living on the streets that won’t be in a cozy home celebrating the holiday,” said Aristela Roberson, founder of Measure of Hearts.
“Not only are their individuals, but there are entire families on the streets of LA, and I want to do something to make their lives a little brighter even if it is just for one day. I know a good meal and a warm smile lets people know someone cares and that can make a world of difference for a person on the streets,” Roberson said.
Thursday, November 24, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thanksgiving Day Senior Feed. Cooked meals will be delivered to more than 1,000 seniors and homebound people. Mothers In Action and Warad Economic Development Corporation are sponsoring the event. To volunteer, donate and obtain more information, call (323) 290-0456 or email [email protected].
