Fred Jordan Mission Continues Tradition Of Serving Thousands With Thanksgiving Meal

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Hundreds of volunteers Thursday helped serve thousands of needy families in Southern California with a Thanksgiving meal.

The Fred Jordan Mission continued its decades long (71 years and counting) tradition of feeding the homeless and some of Los Angeles' neediest families with a meal of turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes.

In all, chefs were expected to serve nearly 1 ton of roast turkey, 50 gallons of gravy, 400 pounds of green beans, 500 pounds of candied yams, and 500 pounds of mashed potatoes.

The meals also included hundreds of pounds of traditional cornbread stuffing, cranberry sauce, and hundreds of pumpkin pies.

Last year, 2,000 people were served with the meals on Fifth Street. That number was expected to increase this year to 2,500 people.

"I had calling about a year and a half ago," said Helen Kelly, a volunteer. "I came one day with my church and ever since then, it's like I've been here every week."

The mission also indicates they're preparing to provide thousands of children and families with a new unwrapped toy. In addition, each of the people on line got a goody bad -- filled with a blanket, socks and other items to keep warm.

CBS2's Greg Mills spoke to volunteers and people happy to have the traditional meal.

"You don't get many people who do a lot of things for you during the year," said Michael Moore, "but what they do for you here lasts all year."

Moore wanted to show his gratitude for those who gave their time and helped.

"Excellent day," he said, "Best day of the year."

The meal also provided a bright spot for the Villeda family. Mills said they have a place to live but not much else.

People who work at the mission told Mills they are seeing a lot more mothers and kids in need.

The all-volunteer crew got to work early -- 4 a.m. for most.

"Glad to do it," said Jose Villarreal, "I'm actually happy to be here."

Those who want to help are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy valued at $15 to $20 to the mission between Thanksgiving and Dec. 16.