The spirit of giving comes alive during the holidays in Downtown Los Angeles with several organizations and venues known for providing free Thanksgiving meals to those in need. Here’s a look at a few heartwarming events…
Running For the Turkeys:
Every Thanksgiving morning turkey lovers of all walks of life take to the streets of Downtown LA during the Annual Turkey Trot in support of the Midnight Mission. The mission was founded in 1914, and since has laid the course for emergency services, family living, job training, education and workforce development programs including free meals daily including Thanksgiving. A series of themed races start and finishes in front of City Hall at 200 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 beginning at 7am.
8th Annual Veterans Appreciation Thanksgiving Dinner:
Open to Veterans and their family members, this annual event at Patriotic Hall shows appreciation to veterans and those currently serving in the United States Military by providing a free Thanksgiving buffet dinner. Formally known as Bob Hope Patriotic Hall the iconic 10-story building, built in 1925, was built to serve veterans of Indian Wars, Spanish–American War, World War I and to support the Grand Army of the Republic. Patriotic Hall is located at 1816 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015.
Here’s a Thanksgiving Dinner with Soul:
Going on its 9th year, the Annual Thanksgiving Dinner at San Julian Park, The “Soul Food Thanksgiving” taking place in Skid Row will offer a grab-and-go holiday dinner with a soul food twist. The park acts as a community hub offering shade, picnic tables, portable restrooms, hand washing stations, water fountain, a stage, and open grass areas and is located at San Julian Park, 312 East 5th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013.
Free Turkey Giveaway with Mystery Special Guests:
Wait? Is that the Terminator?
This event in Boyle Heights offers a massive 1000 free turkey giveaway along with canned goods, sides and hot meals beginning at Mariachi Plaza. Each year the event offers live music, and heritage festivities with a special host beginning at 10am at 1831 E. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033.
WEDC’s 29th Year of Giving
Ward Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), working alongside Mothers in Action and Brotherhood Crusade, provides holiday cheer to Angelenos facing economic insecurity by distributing 1,000 hot Thanksgiving meals. The meals are delivered on Thanksgiving Day to local residents thanks to support from community partners like DoorDash.
Established in 1987 as one of the first faith-based development corporations in Los Angeles, WEDC serves those among the 1 in 4 Los Angeles County residents who are affected by food insecurity. Their work is particularly impactful in the South Los Angeles communities represented by Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson.
Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway at Bright Path Center:
Known for everything from skill-building workshops, job readiness programs, transitional housing assistance, to emergency food support, Bright Path Center in Skid Row will be giving away 50 free turkeys on a first-come, first-serve basis. The event will take place on the Sunday before Thanksgiving at 345 E 5th St., Los Angeles, CA 90013.
Home Run in the Spirit of Giving:
The Dodgers and Dodgers Foundation are known for their commitment to giving back during the holidays. Each year the team host a luncheon for veterans and a Thanksgiving Grab and Go drive-thru, ensuring that those in need have a warm meal during the holiday season. Known for hosting an annual turkey giveaway at Dodger Stadium in Elysian Park, the tradition strikes a home run bringing the community together with the spirit of giving.
Celebrities and Dignitaries Gear Up for a Day of Charitable Giving
The Los Angeles Mission is known for its long-standing dedication to serving the homeless population of Skid Row. During Thanksgiving, they will provide not only hot meals but also essentials and support from a a-list of notable figures.
Every December the LA Mission host its annual Christmas dinner for people experiencing homelessness. Lines wrap around the block as families enjoy a true winter wonderland and receive a meal, toys, shoes and health care. The mission feeds over 5,000 people on Christmas.
The annual meals offer complimentary parking available at 333 S Alameda Street, Los Angeles.
Christmas at the Midnight Mission
The Midnight Mission expects to serve nearly 2,000 meals to homeless and near-homeless individuals. It will also host a Santa’s Village, where thousands of homeless and near-homeless children will be able to select toys and meet Santa Claus.
The Christmas brunch and toy giveaway provides homeless and near-homeless guests with a traditional holiday meal served by volunteers like actress Nicolette Sheridan and Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee.
