On Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025, thousands of volunteers across Los Angeles County united to provide essential meals and resources for those in need. The effort, led by organizations such as The Midnight Mission and Union Station Homeless Services, aimed to support approximately 2,000 homeless and near-homeless individuals in the region.
The Midnight Mission, located in the heart of Skid Row, prepared a staggering spread for its annual Thanksgiving meal. Volunteers served an impressive total of 3,500 pounds of turkey alongside 500 pounds of stuffing and 50 gallons of gravy. Additional offerings included 3,500 pounds of glazed ham, 1,000 pounds of garlic mashed potatoes, and 300 pounds of holiday dessert. Georgia Berkovich, the mission’s chief communications officer, confirmed that volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure that every guest received a warm meal.
Among the volunteers were notable figures, including actors Nia Long and Mr. T, as well as musician Tom Morello. Their involvement highlighted the community spirit that characterizes Thanksgiving in Los Angeles. In addition to serving meals, volunteers distributed hygiene kits to those in attendance, further demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive support for the underserved.
Union Station Homeless Services took a proactive approach by hosting their Thanksgiving event a day early on November 26. This gathering provided meals both on-site and as take-out options in Pasadena. Notable attendees included actress Adina Porter, who volunteered alongside local leaders such as Representative Laura Friedman and Pasadena Councilmember Jessica Rivas. Porter, who faced personal challenges earlier in the year, expressed gratitude for organizations that address food insecurity. “I wish we didn’t live in a world where there was so much food insecurity, but I am beyond grateful that there’s an organization like Feeding America fulfilling a need,” she stated.
The event also received substantial financial support from prominent donors, including David Lee Roth and the Green Foundation, which contributed $25,000. This funding enabled the organization to effectively serve its community and respond to the increasing demand for assistance, especially as many individuals face rising grocery prices and cuts to federal food benefits.
In Torrance, the Coast Christian Fellowship celebrated its 27th annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner, preparing around 500 meals for community members. Volunteers worked diligently to create a warm and welcoming environment, complete with fall decorations and a festive atmosphere. The church also collected non-perishable food and clothing items for those in need, emphasizing a holistic approach to community support.
The spirit of giving extended beyond traditional meal services. In Altadena, L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger led her eighth annual Day of Giving, which included volunteering at various community service events. Activities ranged from helping fire survivors to serving meals for seniors, showcasing the diverse ways in which community members can contribute.
Meanwhile, the Laugh Factory Hollywood anticipated over 2,000 attendees for its annual free Thanksgiving feast, a tradition that dates back to 1979. Comedians such as Tim Allen and Tiffany Haddish were scheduled to perform and serve meals, adding an element of entertainment to the day’s charitable efforts.
As local organizations and volunteers came together to support those in need, the day served as a powerful reminder of community resilience and the importance of collective action. With food insecurity on the rise, these initiatives provide not only a meal but also a sense of hope and belonging for many individuals and families in Los Angeles County.
