3K Expected To Attend Annual Easter Event At Los Angeles Mission

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Food preparations began early Friday morning for the Los Angeles Mission's annual Easter Event.

Volunteers began preparing a feast for more than 3,000 at 4:30 a.m. along with organizing 1,000 Easter baskets and 2,000 pairs of shoes that will be given away to thousands of area homeless.

The shoes were donated by etniesSM and will have staff on hand to ensure a proper fit for guests.

"We just want to make this a great occasion. Some people have nowhere to go to celebrate and we want them to feel like they are a part of our family," said Assistant Director of the LA Mission, David Thomas.

The Mission, located at 5th and Wall Street in downtown, will also open a 1,200 square foot foot washing area staffed medical personnel and volunteers. Foot washing, which has both spiritual and practical applications for the homeless, will be provided by the Los Angeles Christian Health Centers.

"The organization partners with the Mission to use this opportunity to address the foot problems suffered by many on the streets of Skid Row," officials said.

Easter dinner began at 11:00 a.m. and last until 3 p.m.

The entire block of 5th Street between Wall and San Pedro will be closed to vehicular traffic from 6 a.m. Friday through the late afternoon.