SHARING

There’s no better time than at Thanksgiving for spreading the season’s bounty and blessings through food gifts to neighbors and donations to the needy.

What better way of giving thanks this Thursday than sharing what you have with someone not so fortunate? Bake an extra pie, buy a few additional sweet potatoes, a can of cranberry sauce or a turkey and drop it off at one of the many places throughout the Southland accepting food donations for the needy.

Distribution locations can be found within a short distance of anyone wishing to share. There probably are few neighborhood churches or synagogues that don’t know people who can use donations and that will distribute items received from members and non-members alike. A list of additional organizations--by no means considered complete--has been compiled by The Times Food Department with assistance from the Interfaith Hunger Coalition, St. Vincent de Paul Food Distribution Center and Self-Help and Resource Exchange. These listings are not endorsed by The Times; the information is provided only as a courtesy to readers.

The list of what to share is almost endless. In addition to the traditional Thanksgiving dinner items mentioned, here are some suggestions:

Canned foods--meats (hams), stew, tuna, soup, vegetables, fruit, fruit juices.

Other non-perishables--peanut butter, jams and jellies, pickles, olives.

Staples--flour, sugar, rice, beans, cornmeal, masa harina, stuffing mixes.

Fresh foods--meats, produce, dairy products.

Pastries/baked goods--pies, cookies, cakes, bread, rolls.

Remember that all foods should be delivered in non-returnable containers. If a frozen turkey is donated, deliver it Monday or Tuesday so it can be thawed under refrigeration in time for roasting. Organizations serving non-English-speaking people may find foods such as flour, beans and cornmeal more appropriate than cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie.

During conversations while compiling the locations, several points came through loud and clear. To begin with, you don’t need to look far to find hungry people. After talking to dozens of feeding program directors, it was no surprise to read a recent study reporting that in Los Angeles County alone, 400,000 families, or 1.4 million people, rely on the emergency food system each month. The need is just as great in Orange County and San Diego.

It was reassuring to learn that if one agency receives more food than it needs (a highly unlikely prospect), there is cooperation among the different organizations, and the excess will be shared. Nothing goes to waste. However, in truth, most distribution centers have far more people to feed than food to give.

This is particularly true now, due to the impact of the supermarket strike. Food banks, food pantries and soup kitchens report that shipments of groceries normally received from local markets have all but halted. Supplies are nearly depleted--so more than ever, help is needed.

Today’s listing begins with organizations that have multiple outlets. If the office noted is not convenient, all organizations have agreed to refer donations to their other locations. The remaining listings are divided by the area of the Southland in which they’re located. In all cases, a telephone number is given for additional questions.

Many programs can accept any type of food. If there are limitations due to health department regulations or a lack of refrigeration, these have been noted. The days and hours indicate when someone will be at the address to receive donations. Many of those open on Thursday will be serving Thanksgiving dinner.

Although our emphasis is on sharing food, some may choose to make a direct contribution to one of the listings. The West Side Food Bank provided the following examples of how funds can be used: $1.36 will buy more than five pounds of pinto beans at wholesale price; $10 will send a food bank truck to a nearby market to collect surplus food and make it available to the hungry; $14 will buy nutritious emergency food for a family of four for two days; $100 will pay all the costs involved in collection and make available two tons of food, or enough for 2,000 meals.

For those who may not have time this week to make a donation, all the agencies report they will need food throughout the holiday season. It doesn’t take a lot of time or effort to share; both giver and receiver benefit, and even the smallest donation can make a difference.

Times staff members Robin Roy, Jeanie Merl, Mayerene Barker, Nancy Graham, Kathy Niezurawski and Carol Booth contributed to this article.

The many agencies throughout the Southland accepting food donations for those in

need stress that the demand for food items such as meats, vegetables, fruit,

staples, dairy products and baked goods will continue throughout the holiday season.

Multiple Unit Agencies

Caring Hands,3903 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, (213) 487-6996; headquarters for nine locations throughout Los Angeles. Will accept all foods, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Will also refer callers to closest location.

Catholic Welfare Bureau,1400 West 9th St., Los Angeles, (213) 251-3400; headquarters for Catholic social services agencies throughout Los Angeles County. Will accept all foods (canned goods and staples preferred). Call for referral to closest location.

Family Service of Los Angeles,1521 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, (213) 484-2944; headquarters for eight offices throughout Los Angeles County. Will accept all foods. Call for referral to closest location.

Indian Centers Inc.,1610 West 7th St., Second Floor, Los Angeles, (213) 413-3156; headquarters for four centers throughout Los Angeles. Will accept all but frozen foods, Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, 9 to 11 a.m.. Will also refer callers to closest location.

LIFE (Love Is Feeding Everyone),310 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, (213) 936-0895; will accept all foods, Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lutheran Social Services of Southern Califfornia,2468 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, (213) 254-3911; headquarters for 16 offices throughout Southern California. Will accept all foods, Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Will also refer callers to closest location.

Salvation Army, Harbor Light Center,809 East 5th St., Los Angeles, (213) 626-4786; will accept donations for Thanksgiving dinner. Organization also has 43 community centers throughout Southern California. Contact closest location regarding other donations.

Central Los Angeles Area

AIDS Project,706 N. Gardner St., Los Angeles, (213) 653-4809; Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Canned foods, staples, frozen foods.

All People’s Christian Center,822 East 20th St., Los Angeles, (213) 747-6357; Monday through Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. All foods.

Angelus Temple Commissary,1154 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles, (213) 484-1100; Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All foods.

Bethlehem Center,925 S. Alvarado St., Los Angeles, (213) 480-1341; Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Canned foods, staples.

Broadway Mission,5271 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, (213) 232-0087; Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. All foods.

Central American Refugee Center,1829 West 9th St., Los Angeles, (213) 381-5666; Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. All foods.

Christ Faith Mission,6026 Echo St., Los Angeles, (213) 257-0856; Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All foods.

Chrysalis Center,302 East 5th St., Los Angeles, (213) 623-9394; Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. All foods.

Dolores Mission,171 S. Gless St., Los Angeles, (213) 262-2397; Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. All foods.

Eastmont Community Center,701 S. Hoefner Ave., Los Angeles, (213) 726-8071; Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. All foods.

El Centro Del Pueblo,840 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles, (213) 250-1120; Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All foods.

El Rescate (The Rescue),1813 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, (213) 387-3284; Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All foods.

Fred Jordan Mission,445 Towne Ave., Los Angeles, (213) 850-1677; Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday, 8 a.m. to noon. All foods.

Gay & Lesbian Community Services,1213 N. Highland, Hollywood, (213) 464-7400; Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Canned foods, staples.

Holy Cross Center,4714 S. Main St., Los Angeles, (213) 232-3333; Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to noon. All foods.

House of Ruth,605 N. Cummings St., Los Angeles, (213) 266-4139; Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. All foods.

Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles,6505 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, (213) 852-1234; Monday through Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Additional centers in Santa Monica. Primarily kosher canned and staple foods.

La Nueva Jerusalem,1360 East 58th Drive, Los Angeles, (213) 583-5837; Monday through Wednesday, noon to 1 p.m. All foods.

Las Familias del Pueblo,846 East 6th St., Los Angeles, (213) 614-1745; Monday through Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. All foods.

Los Angeles Catholic Worker,821 East 6th St., Los Angeles, (213) 972-9656; Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. All foods.

Los Angeles Mission,443 S. Los Angeles St., Los Angeles, (213) 629-1227; Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All foods.

Lost and Found Ministries,4251 Denker Ave., Los Angeles, (213) 629-3101; Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Canned foods, staples.

Midnight Mission,396 S. Los Angeles St., Los Angeles, (213) 624-9258; Monday through Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. All foods.

People’s Center in Cooperation,3942 1/2 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, (213) 748-1632; Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. All foods.

Plaza Community Center,648 S. Indiana St., Los Angeles, (213) 268-1107; Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All foods.

Rakestraw Memorial Center,5139 S. Main St., Los Angeles, (213) 232-2258; Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. All foods.

Saint Francis Center,1203 S. Santee St., Los Angeles, (213) 747-5347; Monday and Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed noon to 1:30 p.m.) All foods.

Saint Martin de Porres Community Center,4213 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, (213) 234-9087; Monday through Wednesday, 1 to 5 p.m. All foods.

Saint Vincent de Paul’s Men’s Center,231 Winston St., Los Angeles, (213) 626-3744; Monday through Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. All foods.

The Seedling,6422 S. Main St., Los Angeles, (213) 753-7218; Monday through Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.) All foods.

Transition House,543 S. Crocker St., Los Angeles, (213) 622-7073; Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All foods.

Union Rescue Mission,226 S. Main St., Los Angeles, (213) 628-6103; Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, 8 to 10 a.m. Not necessary to park; security at front door will accept donations. All foods.

Youth With a Mission,1751 N. Normandie Ave., Hollywood, (213) 463-5433; Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. All foods.

Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley

Arcadia Welfare & Thrift,323 North 1st Ave., Arcadia, (818) 447-6864; Monday through Wednesday, 3 to 5 p.m. Donations marked “Attn: Mary” may be left at thrift shop. Canned foods, staples.

Bethel Community Food Outreach,1921 N. Garey Ave., Pomona, (714) 629-0106; Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to noon. All foods.

Community Food Bank,1501 W. Del Norte St., West Covina, (818) 814-2862; Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All foods.

Delhaven Community Center,1431 N. Hacienda Blvd., La Puente, (818) 917-9789; Monday through Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. All foods.

Ecumenical Food Center,7056 S. Washington Ave., Whittier, (213) 945-6360; Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. All foods.

Friends in Deed,444 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena, (818) 797-6072; Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All foods.

Latin American Center,2428 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, (818) 793-3959; Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Canned foods, staples (meats, rice, beans).

People for People,860 E. Mission Drive, San Gabriel, (818) 285-2549; Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Canned foods, staples.

Pomona Valley Council of Churches Hunger Program,1095 W. Grand Ave., Pomona, (714) 623-1031; Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Two additional locations. All foods.

Steelworkers Oldtimers Foundation,6004 Maywood Ave., Huntington Park, (213) 589-6217; Monday through Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. All foods.

Union Station,132 N. Euclid Ave., Pasadena, (818) 796-1172; Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to noon. All foods.

YWCA-WINGS,961 S. Glendora Ave., West Covina, (818) 331-0814, (818) 967-0658. Call before making delivery. Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All foods.

San Fernando Valley

Burbank Temporary Aid Center,228 E. Orange Grove Ave., Burbank, (818) 846-2330; Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Canned foods, staples.

Guadalupe Center,21600 Hart St., Canoga Park, (818) 340-2050; Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Canned foods, staples (beans, rice).

San Fernando Valley Interfaith Council,6850 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 110, Van Nuys, (818) 781-3111; Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Canned foods, staples. Also can refer turkeys and pies to 12 other locations throughout San Fernando Valley.

Simi Valley Christian Foundation,5496 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, (805) 584-8970; Tuesday, noon to 5 p.m. Cooked turkey, ham, pies.

Valley Rescue Mission,11741 Glenoaks Blvd., San Fernando, (818) 899-4917; Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All foods.

West Valley Prince of Peace Coalition,5700 Rudnick Ave., Woodland Hills, (818) 346-6968; Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, 9 a.m. to noon. Canned foods, staples.

South Bay

Asian Pacific Family Outreach,602 Pacific Ave., Long Beach, (213) 436-9636; Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Canned foods, staples.

Assistance League of San Pedro,1441 West 8th St., San Pedro, (213) 832-8355; Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Canned foods, staples.

Christian Outreach Appeal,515 East 3rd St., Long Beach, (213) 432-1440; Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All foods.

Employment Readiness Support Center,22015 S. Avalon Blvd., Carson, (213) 835-7195; Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., or make special arrangements. All foods.

Long Beach Community Services Development Corp.,320 Pine Ave., Eighth Floor, Long Beach, (213) 437-0681, Ext. 33; Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Canned foods, staples, turkeys.

Long Beach Food Bank,1444 San Francisco Ave., Long Beach, (213) 435-3577; Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All foods. Services 135 food pantries throughout shoreline communities--will refer to other locations.

Rainbow Services Ltd.,376 West 6th St., San Pedro, (213) 548-5450; Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All foods.

St. Peter and Paul Poverty Program,943 Lagoon Ave., Wilmington, (213) 834-5431; Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m. to noon. All foods.

Seniors Inc.,22704 S. Western Ave., Torrance, (213) 328-6593; Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All foods.

Sisters of Charity of Rolling Hills,28600 Palos Verdes Drive East, Rolling Hills, (213) 831-4104; Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All foods.

Toberman Settlement House,131 N. Grand Ave., San Pedro, (213) 831-3940; Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.) All foods.

South Central

ANC Mothers,8764 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, (213) 753-1153; Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. All foods.

Compton Aid Center,600 N. Alameda St., Room 174, Compton, (213) 636-2639; Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All foods.

Compton Community Developer,1329 1/2 E. Marcell St., Compton, (213) 635-0831; Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. All foods.

Emergency Assistance Program,c/o Human Services of the City of Gardena, 1651 West 162 St., Gardena, (213) 327-0225, (213) 329-9247; Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All foods.

Helpers for the Homeless and Hungry Program,1504 W. Slauson Ave., Los Angeles, (213) 296-3814; Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to noon. All foods.

Human Services Assn.,Bell Gardens Community Center, 5856 Ludell St., Bell Gardens, (213) 773-3911; Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. All foods.

House of Yahweh,4430 West 147th St., Lawndale, (213) 675-1384; Monday through Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. All foods.

L.A. County East Compton Service Center,4513 E. Compton Blvd., Compton, (213) 603-7411; Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. All foods.

Norwalk Social Service Center,11929 Alondra Blvd., Norwalk, (213) 864-3785; Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. All foods.

Parents of Watts,10828 Lou Dillon St., Los Angeles, (213) 566-7556; Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. All foods.

People’s Choice Inc.,401 E. Compton Blvd., Compton, (213) 639-2134, Ext. 38; Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All foods, particularly turkeys and chickens.

Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque,25429 Eshelman Ave., Lomita, (213) 326-3364; Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. All foods.

South Central Food Distributors,5139 S. Main St., Los Angeles, (213) 231-8543. Call before making delivery. All foods.

Wesley Social Service Center,8317 S. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, (213) 751-5128; Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All foods.

Westminster Neighborhood Assn.,1776 E. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, (213) 564-4579; Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All foods.

Westside

Food Pantry--LAX,8740 La Tijera Blvd., Westchester, (213) 568-9258; Monday through Wednesday, 2 to 4 p.m. All foods.

Ocean Park Community Center,245 Hill St., Santa Monica, (213) 399-9228; Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Canned foods, staples.

PATH,3756 Overland Ave., Los Angeles, (213) 558-4295; Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m. to noon. Canned foods, staples.

Regis House,11346 Iowa Ave., Los Angeles, (213) 477-8168; Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. All foods.

Sober Inn,905 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, (213) 452-9740; Monday through Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, 7 a.m. to noon. All foods.

Westside Food Bank,1861 S. Bundy Drive, West Los Angeles, (213) 820-8866; Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Canned foods, staples, turkeys. Also can refer to 27 other locations throughout Westside.

Palmdale

SAVES,38575 6th St. East, Palmdale, (805) 273-6470; Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. All foods.

Santa Clarita Valley

Santa Clarita Valley Community Center,24400 Walnut St., Newhall, (805) 254-0070; Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. All foods (canned meats, beans, rice).

San Diego

Catholic Community Services,349 Cedar St., San Diego, (619) 231-2828; Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. All foods.

Heartland Human Relations Assn.,7435 University Ave., Suite 202, La Mesa, (619) 464-7313, (619) 460-2812; Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Canned foods, staples. Fresh foods on Wednesday. Also can refer to other locations throughout eastern county.

Horizon Christian Fellowship,Old North Park Theater, 2891 University Ave., San Diego, (619) 277-4991; Thursday, 8 to 11 a.m. Canned foods, staples.

Lutheran Social Services,1420 3rd Ave., San Diego, (619) 232-7388; Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All foods. Also can refer to two other locations.

Salvation Army,Golden Hall, 202 C St., San Diego, (619) 239-8027; Thursday, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Pies, other pastries, fruit. Also can refer foods to other locations throughout San Diego area.

San Diego Food Bank,4346 Dawson St., San Diego, (619) 582-1575; Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Canned foods, staples. Also can refer to 150 feeding programs throughout San Diego County.

San Diego Rescue Mission,1150 J St., San Diego, (619) 234-2109; Monday and Tuesday, open 24 hours; Wednesday to 12:30 p.m. All foods.

SHARE,5255 Lovelock St., San Diego, (619) 294-2981; Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All foods. Donations will be used in Mexico.

Spring Valley Youth & Family Service,9035 Campo Road, Spring Valley, (619) 469-0146; Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All foods.

Orange County

Believers Faith Center,148 East 22nd St., Costa Mesa, (714) 650-0447; Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to noon. All foods.

Catholic Community Services,2829 West 1st St., Santa Ana, (714) 542-6778; Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. All foods.

Christian Outreach Mission,1901 W. Walnut St., Santa Ana, (714) 835-0499; Monday through Thursday, 24 hours. All foods.

Hope House,714 N. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, (714) 776-7490; Monday through Thursday, 24 hours. All foods.

La Casa del Cambio Group Homes,25601 Minoa Drive, Mission Viejo, (714) 581-5091; Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. All foods.

Lutheran Social Services,12432 9th St., Garden Grove, (714) 534-6450; Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Canned foods, staples. Also can refer to two other locations in Orange County.

Salvation Army Hospitality House,818 East 3rd St., Santa Ana, (714) 546-7880; Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. All foods. Also can refer to the organization’s other centers throughout Orange County.

Share Our Selves,661 Hamilton St., Costa Mesa, (714) 642-3451; Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All foods.

St. Vincent de Paul Food Distribution Center,426-A W. Almond St., Orange, (714) 771-1343; canned foods, staples, turkeys. Also can refer to 185 other locations throughout Orange County.