Good Friday Event for Homeless on Skid Row Includes Meals, Easter Baskets, Foot Washing and New Shoe Giveaway

 

The Easter baskets were piled high with toys and candy for the hundreds of children who came to Skid Row on Good Friday. They were part of the Los Angeles Mission’s annual Easter event for the homeless. Nearly 3,000 men, women and children attended, and were treated to a holiday meal, foot washing and shoe giveaway served by hundreds of volunteers.

 

“There are lots of new faces on Skid Row,” observed Los Angeles Mission President Herbert L. Smith. “The economy is clearly having an impact. We are seeing more people, and different types of people than we have in the past, including more families and people who are suffering economic dislocation.”

 

The Mission has experienced an increase in people coming in for meals and services, Smith said. “There’s been a 10% increase over the last few months.” He says the Mission has received many more requests for help with food, clothing and other assistance. 

 

“The Los Angeles Mission provides hope to hurting people every day. Here on Skid Row we have traditionally helped those who have drug and alcohol problems restore their lives with our year-long rehabilitation programs. But lately we have also had visits and inquiries from people who have lost homes and apartments because of the economy. They need help with food boxes and the like, along with advice on how to maneuver the maze of available assistance programs. Or, those who don’t qualify for assistance, but still can’t make ends meet. We are seeing more families who just need help.”

 

Despite the economic difficulties, businesses continued to donate to help provide gifts for the guests at the event. etnies(SM), the sport shoe company, donated several thousand pairs of shoes which were distributed to the homeless. JAKKS Cares™, the philanthropic arm of Malibu-based toymaker, JAKKS Pacific, Inc., donated thousands of toys which were distributed to the children. 

“In these tough economic times, there is more reason than ever to help those in need and give back to the causes that touch your heart – for me this is the Los Angeles Mission,” said etnies owner Pierre Andre Senizergues. “For over 10 years my team and I have donated thousands of shoes to the homeless on Skid Row and this year will be no different. Not only because the need will be greater, but because it is this small contribution that can make a difference in someone’s life.”

 

“JAKKS Pacific is pleased to support the Los Angeles Mission by donating toys to help make Easter a little brighter for thousands of families in need,” said Genna Rosenberg, Senior Vice President Communications and Investor Relations, JAKKS Pacific. “The goal of our JAKKS Cares program is to help children smile, play and succeed, and we hope to achieve that this Easter with the help of Los Angeles Mission.”

 

“The significance of companies making donations in tough economic times is not to be missed,” said Smith. “Continued support of companies, foundations and each and every donor makes our work possible. The Los Angeles Mission has had a reduction in donations over the past few months because of the economy. We know some of our donors have been hit hard, and others continue to give even when their circumstances are diminished. We are grateful for the commitment, the desire to help others when times are tough.”

 

The menu for the special meal served was based on the most popular dishes served at the Mission. Chefs and volunteers began the preparations days in advance, and the kitchen was working early Friday morning cooking, stirring and getting everything ready. A ton and a half of chicken was roasted, more than 700 pounds of cheddar, mozzarella and ricotta cheese were mixed with macaroni and baked, 700 pounds of yams were candied and about that much mixed vegetables were cooked. All served piping hot by celebrities and other volunteers who gave their time to make sure everyone was served.

 

The staff and volunteers from the Los Angeles Christian Health Centers (formerly the Los Angeles Mission Community Clinic), provided foot washing for several hundred guests. Each person received a brief examination and massage of their feet, minor aggravations were dealt with, and they were given a new pair of socks. The foot washing is part of the Christian Church tradition, commemorating Jesus’ act of washing the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper, the night before he was crucified.