Thanksgiving Lunch at Hope of the Valley
“Thanksgiving is truly a special holiday, one that allows us to take time away from the daily routine and think about the people in our lives, and everything that we are so lucky to have. It is also a good time to share with those who are less fortunate.”
This Thanksgiving Day, MSM Luxury Estates was very pleased to volunteer at the annual Great Thanksgiving Banquet hosted by Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission – an organization formed in 2009 to provide emergency services to those in need, especially the homeless in the San Fernando Valley.
A large number of homeless people were bused in from all over the valley and served an authentic Thanksgiving dinner. The traditional feast consisted of plates filled with homemade mashed potatoes, gravy, corn & bean garnish, warm bread and butter, and of course, baked turkeys (more than 100 of them) with cranberry sauce. The dinner was completed with rich pumpkin pie that added a sweet holiday season flavor to the overall ambiance.
The total number of homeless people served at the event was approximately 1,000 people. With this meal, and with the added street fair, a 2-car giveaway, music and dancing held at the event, definitely helped ease the harsh street life reality of the homeless in attendance, even if it was only for one day.
The amount of participants that volunteer to help people in need has grown every year, which makes this event increasingly more popular and allows people to showcase their true goodness and desire to share with those in need.
The opportunity to volunteer, to interact with and gladly serve those in need, and to show kindness to one another was truly a remarkable experience. Everyone in attendance had an absolutely different story of how life can take a turn and be tough, but none have forgotten how important it is to appreciate people, enjoy the smallest of gifts, and grasp the joy of every happy moment.