One Ministry's 'Taste and See' Message Reaches from Holiday to Every Day

Los Angeles, California is a city whose homeless population reaches upward of 82,000 people and this week the Los Angeles Mission served several thousands of them a lavish Thanksgiving feast in hopes of helping them beyond the holiday.

"We are here on Skid Row ministering to the homeless every single day of the year.  The Mission serves more than half a million nutritious meals each year --- none more important than our annual Thanksgiving banquet for 3,500," says Herb Smith, President of the Los Angeles Mission.  

Los Angeles 5th Street was turned into an open-air dining room where L.A.'s top chef Timothy Hollingsworth made traditional Thanksgiving menu items Wednesday night. More than a ton of individual turkey was roasted, 1,800 pounds of stuffing, 60 gallons of turkey gravy, and 1,800 pounds of mashed potatoes, were some of the items prepared for residents.

Longtime Mission volunteers welcomed people who normally find themselves on the street without a place to go for the holidays. 

Smith said his staff wholeheartedly throws themselves into the mission of serving. 

"We hope that people who are hurting can taste and see how good their life could possibly be," he said. 

During the dinner, residents were encouraged to join the Mission's long-term residential education and training program, which focuses on getting people off the street. 

The Los Angeles Christian Health Center also provided health care examinations and free flu shots to nearly 400 guests. 

Guest also had foot examinations and their feet washed in addition to receiving a new pair of socks, and minor medical procedures to relieve foot problems.

"We are most appreciative of in-kind gifts like food, candy, cutlery, tarps, blankets, even flu shots, and thousands of other items. We certainly appreciate the talents brought to our table by generous people like Timothy Hollingsworth and his top chef volunteers." Smith said.

"The kindness of strangers blesses what we do every day. This ministry's work would not be possible without the tremendous help we receive from our city.  We want to thank everyone who gives to the Mission and serves to make today possible," he added.