The economy is in turmoil, millions of Americans are losing their homes, and fewer people are willing to donate extra goods because only necessities are being bought. This scenario is creating quite a predicament for businesses that depend on charitable donations, especially with an increasing number of people who need their service. These businesses are non-profits, and the slowing economy is putting their survival in question.
Help During the Holiday Season
While the country may be in the midst of a recession, many non-profits are looking toward the holiday season as a time when donations will be plentiful and volunteers will be abundant. It is the spirit of giving that typically consumes many people during th holiday, and it is that spirit which food banks and soup kitchens alike are banking on. So, I took to the streets on Thanksgiving Day to see what the turnout and atmosphere would be like at one mission serving Thanksgiving dinner on "Skid Row".
Fred Jordan Mission has Food, Food, and More Food
I went to observe volunteers at the Fred Jordan Mission, located on Towne Avenue in downtown Los Angeles. Volunteers started arriving as early as 6 a.m. in order to set up for what was anticipated to be a huge event. I talked to a couple volunteers who had been helping at the mission every Thanksgiving Day for the past twenty years, and they gave me some helpful hints on how to be prepared to volunteer on this busy day:
- Arrive Early while parking spots are still available
- Make sure to eat during the course of the day
- Sit down when you can because your back will get sore
- Take a nap when the day is done
Volunteers by the Hundreds
The Mission was certainly not lacking for volunteers on this day, as some were even turned away and told that all the jobs were filled. I guess even in this time of recession the holidays still bring out the giving spirit in everyone. Food was also plentiful and there was an abundance of goods provided by Footlocker to be given away.
Lets Get this Party Started
It certainly seemed like a party once the guests of honor were allowed into the gates blocking off the few blocks where the feast was being held. Food began to be dished out around 10:30 a.m., with musicians singing on stage to add to the joyful atmosphere. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa even stopped by for a quick bite to eat.
What Happens When the Party Stops?
While the event was great and festive, and I'm sure brought joy to the hearts of many for at least a couple of hours, what struck me most was watching the homeless return to the streets once they were done eating. Many walked off about half a block away and then just plopped down and went back to their normal routine of doing whatever it is they do all day. It made me realize that the real test of what kind of effect the economy will have on the survival of non-profits wont take place until after the holiday season, because it's not about who is willing to give at a time when everyone else is, but rather who is willing to give when others are not and cannot.
Click on the video below for impressions on the Thanksgiving day festivities and the struggling economy from "skid row" residents and volunteers at the Fred Jordan Mission.
Click here for a slideshow of pictures from my Thanksgiving on "Skid Row"
