November 20, 2014

 

By Jennifer Bihm

LAWT Contributing Writer

 

A new generation of Mothers In Action will once again be providing sustenance and love during the 19th annual Thanksgiving feed at the Ward Villa Senior complex November 27.  Traditional Thanksgiving fare like turkey, stuffing, and macaroni and cheese will be served and delivered to the seniors who are often sick, shut in and lonely. Volunteers for the event said they love serving the seniors as much as the seniors love having them.

 

“This year, I’ll wake up early Thanksgiving day give thanks to God and head on over to Ward Villa once again to volunteer for Mothers in Action Thanksgiving Feed,” said long time volunteer Janet Randolph.

 

“I am committed to volunteering every year because my first year volunteering blessed me. So when I delivered meals to seniors and shut in who were all alone and so grateful to get a meal.  Some could not believe they got a soda too. It reminds me of what I take for granted, food, family, a warm smile…and oh a soda.”

 

“I Love when God uses me to be a blessing in someone’s life,” said volunteer Pamela Mitchell.

 

“I get great fulfillment when I deliver a hot delicious meal to a senior that has no food or family to be with that day.  Just for that special moment they know someone cares.  This is why I sacrifice my Thanksgiving Day…”

 

Original Mothers, the late Brenda Marsh Mitchell and the late Lillian Mobley started the tradition in 1995 as a way to alleviate the loneliness seniors can sometimes feel, especially during a holiday that is all about being with loved ones.

 

“We realized that there were a lot of people that didn’t have [a] Thanksgiving,” said Marsh-Mitchell in an earlier interview.

 

“We decided we would invite the seniors at Ward Villa and let them invite who they wanted. And so, they have a guests.”

 

According to Marsh-Mitchell, the volunteers sometimes spend time with the seniors and engage them in activities like prayer and reading the Bible.

 

“[For some],” she explained, “the volunteers are the only people they will see that day.”

 

“Mothers in Action’s Thanks­giving Day feast is an important part of my holiday tradition and an important way for us to help lift up those in need,” said Assemblymember Isadore Hall who continues to volunteer with Mothers In Action.

 

“With the recent passing of Brenda Marsh-Mitchell, this year’s Thanksgiving feast will have a special meaning. So many in our community have come to rely on the generosity of Mothers in Action and I am committed to help carry on the work of Ms. Marsh-Mitchell and Mothers in Action for years to come.”

 

Some of the seniors who are served on Thanksgiving day said they are thankful for Mothers In Action donating their time and service throughout the years.

 

“Mother In Action past and present thanks for all the good food and games, dances, and friendship you have shown us thought out the years,” said Settie Dorsey in room 905 at Good Shepherd Manor. “We are so grateful. May God Bless all of you…”

 

Added fellow resident Shirley Perry, “To Mothers In Action thank you. Thank you for all you do and for all those good Thanksgiving dinners you all provide for us here at Good Shepherd Manor.”

 

“Mothers In Action continues to partner with Ward Economic Development Corporation, which continues to provide this service every year because we feel like it is our duty to take care of the seniors in our community as well as the sick and shut in,” said Tracy Mitchell, who now heads up Mothers In Action and the annual event in the wake of Marsh Mitchell’s untimely passing earlier this year.

 

“Our entire immediate family volunteers every year from my mother, 7 year old son, my 8 year old nephew, my twin sisters and myself.  My mother Brenda Marsh-Mitchell started this tradition several years ago, she was so compassionate about this annual event and it is something we always loved to do as a family.  It is important to give back to the community and share God’s blessings with others.  Un­fortunately, my mother passed away this year, but as the new President of Mothers In Action I will continue to honor her legacy by keeping this tradition alive. This year will be bittersweet without my mother but she trained us well so we will continue her work.

 

“On November 27, 2014 from 9:00am – 3:00pm we will be on deck at Ward Villas located at 1177 W. Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007, serving hot meals to about 250 seniors and their guests and delivering meals to the sick and shut in with love and kindness.

 

“The success of this event is only made possible through the generosity of our donors and the many volunteers that show up that day and the people that donate to make this day happen. Special thanks to the Los Angeles Sentinel, The Bakewell Company, Assemblymember Isadore Hall, Council President Herb Wesson, Councilmember Curren Price, Cora Fossett, Glory Foods and our other donors.”

 

Donations are still needed and welcomed.  Please send all donations payable to Mothers In Action c/o Los Angeles Sentinel, 3800 S. Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008. Please email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (323) 299-3800 if you have any questions.

Category: Community