SKID ROW CELEBRATES THANKSGIVING AT THE LOS ANGELES MISSION

Kirk and Anne Douglas Host Event for 3000 Homeless

November 22, 2006 (Los Angeles, CA) --- Thanksgiving is always a bittersweet time on Skid Row. While approximately 3000 men, women and children enjoyed a warm Thanksgiving feast served by loving volunteers, the reality of the neighborhood stood in stark contrast just a few feet from the celebration.

The news often is not good on Skid Row, and 2006 is no exception. Despite growing attention from city officials and the police, crime and depravity continue. But in the face of all of this - hope was evident at the Los Angeles Mission Thanksgiving event Wednesday. Fifth Street was closed to serve the traditional Thanksgiving meal, in an atmosphere of love and respect.

Thanksgiving favorites: piping hot turkey, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, mashed potatoes and gravy and pie were served by celebrity volunteers.

Actor Kirk Douglas and his wife Anne were the hosts of the event. "Anne and I had a great time last year," Douglas said. "We saw the love and care of so many volunteers for the homeless. Over the years we have supported the work of the Los Angeles Mission and the Anne Douglas Center for Women because their hard work makes such a difference."

The Anne Douglas Center for women, named for Mrs. Douglas, has been a special project of the Douglas family for several years.

A giant outdoor dining room was created on 5th Street by staff and volunteers of the Los Angeles Mission. Holiday decorations and flowers completed the elegant atmosphere often missing for the people of Skid Row. Guests starting lining up early for the meal, enjoying entertainment as tables and servings were prepared.

"Our outreach to the homeless community most often starts with emergency services like a hot meal or a warm, secure place to sleep," said the Los Angeles Mission's new president, Herb Smith. "But that's just opening the door to the many services we provide to help people get off the streets and on their feet. Our rehabilitation program, educational opportunities, job training courses and spiritual guidance are the real substance of what we do. Lives are changed here and hope is restored."

A Ton of Turkey

Los Angeles Mission's cooking staff has been working for weeks to prepare: 2000 pounds of roast turkey, 750 pounds of garlic mashed potatoes, 800 pounds of mixed vegetables, 375 pounds of fennel orange cranberry sauce, 3000 dinner rolls, and hundreds of pies. The ingredients were of the highest quality, cooked to perfection, and served by celebrities and other volunteers to each guest as they sat down - hot and fresh.

The operating income for the Mission is generously donated by the public in Los Angeles, a high percentage in the fourth quarter of the year. "Thank you sometimes doesn't seem sufficient to express the gratitude that we feel with every dollar donated," says Smith. "The men and women who graduate from our rehabilitation program understand that financial gifts from individuals and families all over Los Angeles make the program possible. They know what that means to their families and their future."

Smith welcomed political leaders and celebrities Wednesday by explaining the variety of services the Los Angeles Mission provides, including emergency overnight shelter, showers, clothing, education and job training. The most common response is, "I didn't know you did all that."

Foot Washing Provided

In addition to the dinner, guests were offered an opportunity to have their feet washed and cared for by the staff of the Los Angeles Mission Community Clinic (LAMCC) and dozens of volunteers. "Each year several hundred people line up to have their feet washed," Smith said. "It is both a practical and spiritual outreach. Practical because we can deal with infections and painful callouses which we can treat. Spiritual because we can take a moment to touch someone who may not have a lot of human contact."

This year volunteers provided a free dental screening to guests as well.

For nearly 60 years, the Los Angeles Mission has served the people of Skid Row providing emergency services such as shelter, food, clothing, as well as professional medical and dental services. In addition, the Los Angeles Mission also offers long-term residential rehabilitation programs including education, job training/placement, transitional housing and counseling.