Los Angeles charities felt the Thanksgiving spirit
Turkey was the word in Los Angeles today. More than six sites were giving away turkey to homeless or needy Los Angeles residents.
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa attended the annual South Los Angeles Turkey Giveaway at Jackson Limousine Service this morning.
Villaraigosa joined over 300 volunteers to hand out turkeys to families in need. This year, the organization handed out nearly 10,000 turkeys.
The mayor said it is important to make sure no one goes hungry on Thanksgiving.
“So many of you come and we are glad that you do, because we have a responsibility to our brothers and sisters, and as we can see, people who are hungry come in every color.”
E.J. Jackson, the owner of Jackson Limousine Service, sponsored the event. The free turkeys were given away in the parking lot of his business.
“I was seeing people who were in need. So many people are in need and who need help or don’t have jobs…It’s just to support them” said Jackson.
Jackson has been sponsoring the event for over 25 years and said he has given away over a quarter million turkeys since he started.
Sheila Sheppherd said without this turkey, she couldn’t have a traditional Thanksgiving.
“I’m out here today because I’m hungry and they are giving out free turkeys…I’m grateful” said Sheppherd.”
Event organizers said that the lines started about two days ago and stretched about a mile long. This year has seen increased traffic and donations, according to officials.
Meanwhile, Governor Schwarzenegger spent the morning giving out turkeys at Hollenbeck Park, near downtown Los Angeles.
At Hollenbeck, people received turkey, pie and other small items in the holiday spirit.
Schwarzenegger said it is important to give back to the community, and he said Thanksgiving holds a special meaning to him.
“When I came to America, I came as a really poor immigrant with only a few dollars in my pocket. America opened its doors to me…it’s very important to give back” said Schwarzenegger.
The governor greeted each resident as they received their turkey and made sure everyone had a little bit of the Thanksgiving spirit.
