Where to lend a helping hand on Thanksgiving

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Via Flickr/ by USDAgov

Do you consider yourself more of a giver than a maker? If you haven’t made plans yet, and the chances of you preparing a meal this Thursday look slim, there is an alternative way to spend Thanksgiving. Almost every area of LA will play host to volunteer opportunities. And many places are still looking for help.

Downtown

The Fred Jordan Mission offers Thanksgiving dinners to the hungry and homeless in front of its Skid Row location. Sign up online to register as a volunteer.

North Hollywood/Sherman Oaks

For the 11th year running, The Beth Hillel Temple will host their Annual Feed the Hungry Fest. Email brotherhood@tbhla.org or call (818) 763-9148 to volunteer. There are volunteer opportunities on both Wednesday and Thursday.

Santa Monica

The Westside Thanksgiving takes place at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium on Wednesday and Thursday. No registration is technically necessary, though volunteers are encouraged to check out the shift possibilities on the website. 

Playa Del Rey

One Incredible Family is a non-profit foundation that has offered food to the homeless on Thanksgiving for the past 20 years. They do their work on Saturday (November 30th), and volunteers will meet at Westchester Masonic Center after registering online. They even serve breakfast to their volunteers.

Virtual Giving

For those that plan on giving thanks with family, but would still like to help the less fortunate on Thanksgiving, The Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles hosts a virtual food drive each year. Contributors can donate anywhere from $18 (for side items) to $1,000 (for a full Truckload from the Food Bank). Visit jfsla.org to find out more.