Do Good, Give Thanks

Earlier this week I sat at a red light in West LA and watched a homeless man cross the street. A common scene, yes. But something about the look in this man's eyes just killed me. He exuded a sadness and strength that told the story of a life full of pride, love and devastation.

I don't know what his real story was. But I couldn't care less if he was a widowed war veteran or a man fallen victim to addiction or both. I wanted to help.

Remember when Obama took office and asked all of us to volunteer our time? That wasn't a one day thing. I admit, I haven't done my part. But there's no better time than Thanksgiving, and in a City of Angels, there are plenty of opportunities to give.

Thanksgiving 2009 is Thursday, November 26th

Dinners in the Park
Pasadena, Central Park
This Thanksgiving (and Christmas) day event, put on by Union Station Homeless Services, lasts all day, and volunteer shifts start at 9am. Last year more than 8,000 people enjoyed a hot dinner and holiday cheer. www.unionstationhs.org

Food on Foot
Hollywood
To register for Food on Foot's Turkey Day event, you'll have to donate $100. The money covers the cost of food, backpacks, and more. After all, turkeys don't grow on trees.

Gobble Gobble Give
Hollywood
No affiliation here. Just a bunch of people coming together to serve the community. GGG needs volunteers to cook turkeys the day before, as well as volunteers day of. You'll meet up at The Echo on Sunset to build meals, then make friends with a volunteer driver (that can be you, too) and pile in to deliver meals to those in need on the streets.

Salvation Army Thanksgiving Prep
Glendale
The Glendale unit of the Salvation Army will feed over 300 people on Thanksgiving day. They need volunteers to help prepare food and carve turkeys starting at 8am.

LIFE Choir Annual Thanksgiving Feast
Hollywood
This non-profit is looking for about 50 people to help set up and serve dinner for over 1,500 people. They'll have singers, magicians, dancers, and more on hand to provide entertainment throughout the day. Great opportunity to bring along the kids.

One Incredible Family
Playa del Rey *11-28-09*
This organization will prepare, assemble, and deliver meals to shelters throughout the city. They need all volunteers, including those who own trucks or vans for delivery.

Spencer Hospice Foundation
Based in Santa Ana
If you don't have a lot of extra time, this may be the opportunity for you. This organization works to fulfill the wishes of terminally ill patients receiving hospice care.

"The hospice team works with the patient and their family to fill out a simple application, which is translated into a wish card ornament. The SHF then supplies you or your company with as many wish card ornaments as you think you can fulfill. You then choose the ornament with a wish you would like to purchase, and the Spencer Hospice Foundation will collect the Thanksgiving gifts on or near November 18th and holiday gifts on December 11th. Wishes may include a box of chocolates, clothes, music CDs, gift cards, food and other small things that make a BIG difference in enhancing the quality of life."

It's simple, it's easy, and it makes everyone's day a little brighter.

If you can't make it to one of these opportunities, there are plenty more out there. Websites like Serve.gov, LAWorks.com, and VolunteerMatch.org are easy to search by zipcode and by interest. You can even create your own volunteer event and list it with these sites to get the helping hands you need.

Photo credit: "The Soloist," Nathaniel Ayers plays outside Disney Concert Hall by Flickr user LadyDucayne