E.J. Jackson Foundation Hosts 33rd Annual Holiday Turkey Giveaway In LA

HYDE PARK (CBSLA.com) — Thousands of struggling families are thankful they will have a home cooked meal this holiday courtesy of the E.J. Jackson Foundation.

Emilce Cardenas, a mother of two, was among the 10,000 families that were given holiday groceries during the 33rd annual Turkey Dinner Give-Away.

"It's very hard not being able to have anything for my children and in this situation, unfortunately, I have to swallow my pride and do what I have to," said Cardenas whose 9-year-old daughter learned three months ago that she had to undergo chemotherapy to treat a tumor in her spine.

Of those who received boxes full of groceries, some were homeless, while others disabled, and many struggling to pay the bills.

"At a young age, someone looked me in the face and said, 'You are worth it. You are special.' And if we can do that for anyone else, your life can be completely changed. Completely different," said actress Dawnn Lewis.

Lewis has volunteered at the give-away for decades, along with actor Darius McCrary.

The doors in Hyde Park opened at 8 a.m., but many started lining up over the weekend.

"Every day, I see people that cannot make enough money to pay their rent or medication or anything," E.J. Jackson, the event founder, said. "And we all are like one paycheck from a disaster."

Jackson at one point homeless himself and says he saw the overwhelming need to help feed those who are in need of a holiday meal.

A number of corporate sponsors have chipped in, but most of the funds were coming directly out of Jackson's pocket.