A Los Angeles-based nonprofit turned a part of Skid Row into a block party this Thanksgiving, feeding unhoused individuals and families as a part of an annual tradition.
One Midnight Mission volunteer said he comes back every year to serve strangers, who then become friends.
“I have been coming here for about seven years and it’s a really nice experience to give people food and get a couple smiles here and there,” said volunteer Phil Fineman. “I get a good workout in, got some shmutz on my shirt, but it’s a really nice feeling down here.”
Organizers said the event was made possible by the hundreds of corporations and community volunteers with generous donations that created quite a feast.
“We’re enjoying the holiday and having a meal to eat because we didn’t have one,” said guest Dana Knowles. “And coming down to spend the holiday with people that we don’t know.”
Midnight Mission, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit, hosts its annual volunteer event to feed thousands of people on Skid Row for Thanksgiving. November 2024. (KTLA) Midnight Mission, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit, hosts its annual volunteer event to feed thousands of people on Skid Row for Thanksgiving. November 2024. (KTLA) Midnight Mission, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit, hosts its annual volunteer event to feed thousands of people on Skid Row for Thanksgiving. November 2024. (KTLA) Midnight Mission, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit, hosts its annual volunteer event to feed thousands of people on Skid Row for Thanksgiving. November 2024. (KTLA) 
Midnight Mission, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit, hosts its annual volunteer event to feed thousands of people on Skid Row for Thanksgiving. November 2024. (KTLA)
Turkey, stuffing, potatoes and holiday dessert were all included in the fixings that many families said they couldn’t enjoy outside of this event.
“It’s delicious,” another guest told KTLA’s Kareen Wynter. “[The volunteers] are all angels.”
Midnight Mission has been helping individuals for decades, not only partnering with big corporations but also with celebrities who give back on Thanksgiving.
“Midnight Mission is always looking out for us out here,” said guest Terrell Baker. “So we thank them, we bless them and we just ask God to protect all of y’all.”
Organizers said no one leaves hungry, and many are heartened by a day of festivities that make the holidays more meaningful.
“The spirit of Thanksgiving, this is what it’s about,” said another guest.
For more information on Midnight Mission and ways to contribute, click here to visit the website.