Avalon LA hosted its second annual “Day of Giving” Thanksgiving event on Nov. 27, at its new Resource Center, located at 6622 Crenshaw Blvd, which is set to open this December.
Over 500 hot meals were served onsite, and a raffle featured whole frozen turkeys donated by L.A. Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson. The event began with an inspiring prayer led by Pastor Oliver E. Buie of Bel-Vue Community Church standing alongside volunteers, community partners, and the Avalon LA team.
The “Day of Giving” brought the community together through a wide range of services and activities. DJ MAKI set the mood with music, children enjoyed face painting and ornament decorating, and volunteer barbers KD Da Barber and Danielle the Barber provided free haircuts. The Akalaka Youth Dance Group wowed the crowd with a live performance, and Dr. John Kowalczyk enchanted attendees with a magic show. Additional entertainment included a photo booth sponsored by Avalon Surgery Center and a popcorn station provided by U.S. Vets.
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Alongside the festivities, the event offered health and human services. CORA provided harm reduction education and distributed Narcan kits, Nobility Health conducted COVID, flu, and RSV testing with $10 gift card incentives, and 986 Pharmacy administered COVID and Hepatitis vaccinations with $20 and $10 gift card incentives, respectively.
Jesse Avila of Avalon LA commented, “Today, we want to create a special experience because, for someone out there who might not have a family, this could be their Thanksgiving.”
This event is part of a broader range of services offered by Avalon LA. They also provide meals throughout the year by holding a food drive every last Saturday of the month, distributing food boxes filled with fresh groceries to anyone in need.
“The event is part of a larger vision tied to our resource center, which we plan to open in December,” stated Avalon LA Executive Director Cheryl Clark.
The new resource center will offer additional support, including tutoring, daycare services, and recreational activities for seniors. Clark commented, “Whether someone needs referrals for immigration services, legal aid, or housing support, the center will be a place where they can find help. At Avalon LA, everyone is welcome. We don’t turn anyone away, regardless of their background, nationality, or status.”
In January, a federally qualified healthcare agency will open at the center, providing medical, dental, and vision services to address the community’s urgent need for accessible healthcare. The facility aims to reduce long wait times and offer care to everyone, including undocumented individuals. Avalon LA’s mission also extends into the broader community, providing mobile medical assistance, testing, vaccines, and home health services across South Central, Skid Row, Long Beach, and Palmdale through partnerships with organizations like Nobility Health.
“The opening of this center is a significant step in Avalon LA’s mission to create equitable access to resources for all Angelenos,” added Clark. “We are deeply grateful to our partners, sponsors, and volunteers for making the Day of Giving an unforgettable experience and for their ongoing support as we prepare to open the Resource Center.”
