3.5K Expected To Attended Annual Easter Dinner At LA Mission

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

Volunteers began preparing a feast for 3,500 at 4:30 a.m. along with organizing 1,000 Easter baskets and 2,000 pairs of shoes that will be given away to area homeless.

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

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.

Friday's meal, which will last from 11:00 a.m. through 3 p.m., includes 1,800 pounds of ham, green beans, scalloped potatoes and more.

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.