Feed Your Soul On Thanksgiving
By Jessica Bieterman
Corsair Staff Writer

• If you are finding yourself free for Thanksgiving Day, serve up some human kindness.

This Thanksgiving you can give back to your community by helping out the less fortunate at the Westside Community Thanksgiving Celebration.

"I would be very interested in helping out at something like this," said Santa Monica College student Lisa Bae. She has been involved with other community volunteer activities in the past.

Last year's celebration was a huge success, according to organizers. More than 2,100 meals were served and 200 blankets distributed by approximately 1,200 volunteers. In addition, hundreds of children received immunizations, while doctors and nurses from Cedars Sinai and UCLA provided consultations.

Consequently, last year's celebration was the biggest yet.

However, in order to make this year's celebration just as big of a success, organizers are looking for more volunteers to help out with serving food. They are also requesting donations of blankets, hygiene kits, clothing, food and even people willing to give haircuts.

Clothing can be donated at the Civic Center the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

The celebration begins Thursday, Nov. 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main Street , near Pico.

"This is a great chance to give back to the community," Bae said, "and what better time than Thanksgiving to show your generosity."

This comforting and nuturing program was started in 1982 by a group of Christians at Santa Monica Vineyard, who have been inspiring others to volunteer their time to help out with this program.

Organizers point out that the community relies solely on donations. If you are interested in helping out, you can submit your name online at http://www.westsidethanksgiving.org/volunteer.html or by calling (310) 458-8551.

While many students may be interested in helping out at this event, others may be busy traveling back home to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with their families.

"I will be spending Thanksgiving dinner with my family in Colorado ," SMC student Matt Parker said. "There's nothing like going back home and having Thanksgiving dinner with your family."