Supporting Angelenos Through a Season of Uncertainty
1,995.
That’s the number of turkeys our SOVA program distributed this year. The frozen turkeys, together with packages for making stuffing and cornbread, cans of cranberry sauce, yams, potatoes, green beans and other vegetables, will provide Thanksgiving dinners for 1,995 households, more than double the number last year. The Thanksgiving packages were distributed over several days at our two pantries as well as through a partner agency, Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC). JFSLA partners with WLCAC to support their two food pantries, and this year we were able to provide 144 Thanksgiving meal packages.
“This year, our Thanksgiving distribution isn’t just about providing a meal. It’s about providing solid support during these difficult times,” said Brittany Nazarian. “We are more dedicated than ever to lifting up our community and reminding one another that together, we can bring warmth, hope, and gratitude to every table.”
Planning for this distribution began months ago. Volunteer crews have been packing the bags over the past couple of weeks. The distribution itself took place all last week, with staff and volunteers working together to minimize wait times and ensure that everyone could get served.
Over at our Senior Nutrition Program, Thanksgiving is a big deal as well. This Wednesday, around 1,000 seniors will be provided a delicious Thanksgiving meal, including freshly-made pumpkin pie. (Thank you to the Hirsh Kosher Kitchen team!) Around 500 meals will be served at our 11 congregate meal sites at senior centers and senior housing buildings. Another 500 meals will be delivered to homebound seniors by our Home Delivered Meals team, with the assistance of 30 volunteer drivers. Along with the home-delivered Thanksgiving meals, recipients will receive a handmade Thanksgiving card. Thank you to all of you who made cards last week! In addition, we have cards made by students at Palisades Elementary School, seniors participating in our AWE arts classes and participants in our Special Needs Life Skills Program. Perhaps most touching, dozens of cards are coming from clients in our domestic violence shelters, sharing their gratitude and wishing the senior meals recipients a Happy Thanksgiving.
“Our team immediately rose to the challenge,” said Stratton Harrison, JFSLA’s Congregate Meal Supervisor. “Kitchen staff increased production, volunteers took some extra shifts, and together they made sure we could meet the growing need. Their dedication to our seniors is unwavering.”
The Wednesday meals at our senior centers will be accompanied by festive decorations, music and activities.
As an agency, we are grateful to be able to share good food, joy, and connection with so many of our neighbors and community members. The number of staff, the number of volunteers, and the number of donors who make this possible are a true testament to what Thanksgiving is all about. Sharing gratitude. Gratitude for being able to give. And gratitude for community.
