Make It a Happier Thanksgiving

Most Southern Californians will sit down to feasts of turkey and dressing, ham and yams or prime rib and potatoes on Thursday. But Thanksgiving will be just another day for many poor families and homeless people. There is still time to help.

Four-hundred families have requested holiday food baskets from the Westminister Neighborhood Assn., a nonprofit service agency in Watts. But there is only enough food on hand to serve 65 families. The most destitute teen-age mothers, senior citizens and other poor families will get turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, potatoes, corn and string beans. The rest will have to take their chances in food lines.

“This is the slimmest Thanksgiving I’ve seen, probably because of the earthquake and hurricane. People are making other decisions with their contributions,” explained Yvonne Payne, Westminster’s director of social services. In the past, several churches and businesses have provided baskets; last year a chemical company bought food for 200 families. The center, located at 1776 E. Century Blvd., will accept canned hams, vegetables and fruit, dressing mix, other non-perishable goods or checks until 7 p.m. today; 335 poor families are depending on the generosity of others.

More than 20 other social service agencies and charities still need volunteers, money or food for the holiday. Call the United Way of Greater Los Angeles at (213) 736-1300 for more information. Twenty dollars will provide a small family with a basket of food; also needed are clothing, blankets and cleaning materials. Families and others who need a meal can call Info-Line at 1-800-242-4612 for referrals.

Charities, homeless shelters, missions, churches, a few generous restaurants and several philanthropic businesses will provide meals for thousands of needy families, but many others will go hungry on Thanksgiving--and after the holiday--unless more fortunate Californians help.