November 27, 2014
By Brian Carter
Staff Writer
It never fails, the spirit of giving, it manages to fall on the hearts of countless organizations, churches and groups every Thanksgiving. Maybe now, more than ever,
there are needy families across the nation that can’t afford a Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings.
In the Crenshaw District and surrounding areas, numerous organizations, churches and businesses are offering a Thanksgiving dinner or place for families to fellowship and hear a word of encouragement.
Mother’s In Action (MIA), Jackson Limousine (JLS), countless churches and other organizations and businesses will feed thousands for Thanksgiving this year.
At the Ward Villa Senior Complex, MIA continues in the legacy and honor of the late Lillian Mobely and Brenda Marsh-Mitchell, both of whom have brought countless Thanksgiving Day dinners to senior citizens and
their invited guests and families. Together with Jackie Dupont Walker, director of Ward Economic Development Corporation and on the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit
Authority, MIA along with countless volunteers make this event happen every year.
This Thanksgiving event manages to reach thousands of families throughout the Greater Los Angeles area, as well as hundreds of seniors and guests fed at Ward Villa.
Local churches in the community will be feeding needy families during Thanksgiving both physically and spiritually through outreach and church services.
Churches around South L.A. will be offering a variety of services from serving food to special Thanksgiving services.
Bethel A.M.E. Church will be having Thanksgiving Worship at 10 a.m., at 7900 South Western Avenue in Los Angeles, said Pastor Kelvin T. Calloway.
Pleasant Hill Baptist Church will present its Annual Community Thanksgiving Feeding on Wednesday, November 26, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., at 2009 West Martin Luther King Boulevard in Los Angeles.
Pastor Sylvester Washington said, “In addition to food and fellowship, we will have a clothes giveaway.”
Southern Missionary Baptist Church kicked-off its Pre-Thanksgiving Service Project by distributing 1,000 lunches to people in need living in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, November 22, said Pastor Xavier Thompson. Thanksgiving Day Worship will be held at 10a.m., in the sanctuary located at 4678 West Adams Boulevard in Los Angeles.
JLS and its founder and president, E.J. Jackson have been making Thanksgiving dreams come true for the local community for years at their business on Slauson Avenue.
JLS’ Annual Thanksgiving giveaway lines wrap around and down corners in South L.A. with families looking to give their children a Thanksgiving. On Tuesday, November 25, thousands of people will wait for hours for a
chance to receive a turkey dinner from the limousine owner, who gets to be “Mr. Turkey” for one day out of the year.
"As in the past and seen on television, a vast majority of our recipients come from a diversity of multi-cultural and ethnic backgrounds,” stated Jackson. “Many come with their entire family including their small children
who patiently line up days in advance. Some participants come in their wheelchairs, with their canes, with sleeping bags, with seeing-eye dogs, on oxygen tanks and host of other variables, to ensure they receive
full Thanksgiving groceries.
“Our give away allows families to prepare Thanksgiving dinner in their own family environment because it is about keeping families together, restoring human dignity, honor and hope.”
The LA Galaxy and Herbalife will partner with A Place Called Home on Thanksgiving. On November 26, Wednesday morning, L.A. Galaxy players, Herbalife Chairman and CEO Michael O. Johnson and Herbalife
President Des Walsh, will distribute 550 turkeys and groceries to Angelenos at A Place Called Home located at 2901 S Central Ave in Los Angeles, CA 90011.
L.A. Galaxy players and Herbalife staff will be serving Thanksgiving dinner, bussing tables and spending time with the over 1,200 community members. Event beings at 8am and for more information please visit www.apch.org.
Councilmember Bernard C. Parks will be giving away150 turkeys to 8th district for his 12th Annual Turkey Giveaway on Tuesday, November 25, from 5:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. This is the last turkey giveaway he will put
on as his term ends June 30,2015. Individuals who reserved a turkey in advance (one per household) will come to Parks’ Constituent Service Center to claim their holiday bird.
Numero Uno Market, a valuable member of the community, has also graciously donated gift cards to the guests.
The events and giveaways prove a glaring fact:the community cares about its own. Because of the outreach of countless individuals, countless families will be able to sit around the table and give thanks for the
food, clothes and spiritual bread they have receive. We can all be thankful that we have a loving and giving community.
Happy Thanksgiving