Thanksgiving Meal Volunteer Opportunities
Tuesday, November 22, 2005 11:04There is much to be grateful for and one way we can express that is to give a bit to those who are less well off.
Most years, I’ve managed to find some place to volunteer at on Thanksgiving.
A few years ago, I had the chance to participate with Pasadena Union Station. Check out their web page to see what kind of help they will be needing.
In the last few years, I’ve participated at Faith in Christ Ministries. They serve about 700 meals. It is not as well known as some of the bigger operations… it doesn’t even have a web page to describe the Thanksgiving event! … but the people who are helped are happy to see the cheerful volunteers and to enjoy a good meal.
I hope to make it out there again this year but I’ve had some recent health issues. But if I’m feeling well enough, I’ll head out there.
Faith in Christ Ministries
4501 S. Western Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90062
323-291-2585
To find some volunteer opportunities for Thanksgiving and for the rest of the year, check out LA Works.
I’m sure there are many events throughout the Los Angeles area. Would love to hear about them!
By Rene (see more of his posts). You can find more of Rene's writing at his own website Rene's Ramblings
SoCalorie says:
November 23rd, 2005 at 7:29 am
Rene - Hope you get well soon and that problem is gone for good.
Deidre says:
November 9th, 2007 at 4:30 pm
I am HIGHLY upset that Food On Foot is asking for $75 to VOLUNTEER. That is really sick to me. I am just out of college and would LOVE to dedicate my time in helping on my favorite holiday to those less fortunate, but I would have to pay for my act of kindness? I find that really really fucked up to say the least.
Gina says:
November 13th, 2007 at 3:58 pm
My thoughts were the same!! I thought it was a typo, but when I read it again it did say $ 75 registration fee. That’s messed up!
Jonah says:
November 13th, 2007 at 6:43 pm
Did you ask Food on Foot why they are requiring a registration fee? I can’t speak for them, but I do know that sometimes people use a registration fee to make sure that volunteers actually show up. I have heard, anecdotally, that without using a fee, a lot more people sign up to volunteer than show up. Let me know if you hear anything back from them.
missjc says:
November 15th, 2007 at 1:19 pm
Thanks for the info on Faith in Christ Ministries. We were looking for someplace local to volunteer and this seems like the perfect place. Do you have any info on the time they need volunteers??? Hope whatever your health issues are, they are resolved soon.
I was also shocked about a fee to volunteer. That must turn so many people away from volunteering.
Michael says:
November 16th, 2007 at 11:34 am
If you want a great place to volunteer on Thanksgiving, check out http://gobblegobblegive.org . It’s free to volunteer and they are in their 9th year. Easy sign up and lots of opportunity to donate and volunteer!
Rene says:
November 19th, 2007 at 9:10 am
Its been really great to see this old post get picked up during the Thanksgiving Season with people mentioning various options for giving back. There is bound to be something going on in your neighborhood to participate in.
For those interested in FICM see below …
Schedule of events (thus in need of volunteers!)
Monday All Day – 11/19/07 – 9 am – 9 pm – distribute boxes of love, distribute flyers, food preparation
Tuesday All Day – 11/20/07 – 9 am – 9 pm – food preparation
Wednesday All Day – 11/21/07 – 9 am – midnight – food preparation and set up for food distribution to sites
Thursday 11/22/07 – 6 am – 4 pm
Faith In Christ Ministries
Serving the poor and homeless in S. LA and Skid Row for 26 years.
4501 S. Western Ave
(1 block S of Vernon Ave – Exit Martin Luther King Bl off of 110 Freeway – Go west to Western – turn left)
Los Angeles, CA 90062
323-228-3315
ficm@aol.com
http://www.ficmla.com
Kari says:
November 20th, 2007 at 9:26 am
I am looking for a place to volunteer on Thanksgiving in the San Fernando Valley. Anybody know of anyplace????
Jospeh Jenkins says:
November 24th, 2008 at 10:20 am
Hey kari I read your message and my previous church i have attendend for nine years Pastor andrae And Sandra Crouch and every thanksgiving we would have a service and aftter service we would just go and give out foood that the church provided we would feeed up to 100s of family and single mothers and homelesss men it was a blessing but if u do live in san Fernando make sure you give them a call and 818 361 1087 thats the church office its off of vauhn street right next to the 118 let them know Joseph armstrong- jenkins sent you
Shari says:
November 4th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
I am looking for a non-denominational place to donate my day this Thanksgiving. I was excited by Food on Foot but disgusted that they ask for $100 in addition to my time. Any ideas or advice is greatly appreciated. I would really love to help my community celebrate the holidays this year.
Thanks–
John says:
November 13th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
My volunteer experience with http://gobblegobblegive.org last year was not a good one.
I found them to be extremely unorganized and very overwhelmed.
My friend and I spent a long time just trying to find a way to help when we got there and there was just no direction. It was chaos, but no one wanted to say anything since we were all volunteers. Has anyone else had this experience there?
I’m trying to find a non-denominational place as well.
Lauren C. says:
November 17th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
I was shocked and appalled to learn that Food on Foot (Hollywood) is requiring a registration fee to volunteer. Boy, this is a new one! I thought the idea of volunteering was a choice and that’s why there are folks called Sponsors who have the funds to donate to non-profit organizations. Volunteers give of their time, heart and soul. But for a charitable organization to ask for payment of front is nothing more than paying to participate. Sure the money will go to a great cause, but why should volunteers have to pay to participate?
Victor Picena says:
November 24th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Im looking for place to volenter for thanksgiving in Los angeles area in EastLA or Northeast Los angeles and downtown is also an option thank you and have happy thanksgiving . Please help find a place to help .