How the Grateful Shared Blessings

The volunteers ranged from a 9-year-old boy, who wielded a broom twice his size, to a 65-year-old grandfather who helped serve fresh popcorn.

They were among the many who spent Thanksgiving helping others less fortunate than themselves.

At the Orange County Rescue Mission in Santa Ana, the lines had snaked around the building by 6 a.m., with more than 200 people waiting for a warm plate of turkey with mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. When the sweater and jacket giveaway got underway, all 100 of the donated garments were gone in less than half an hour.

“Helping out here will make my food taste a lot better when I eat with my family tonight,” said Seanda Pugh, 37, who drove from Menifee in Riverside County to help distribute clothing and serve food to the needy at the mission. “There’s so many people who need help out there, and with the terrorist attacks, it’s been hard for everyone.”

The dining room blared with music from a live band, and the smell of fresh popcorn wafted everywhere.

Cheryl Mathes, 36, of Costa Mesa said she felt fortunate to be able to help. “It’s a blessing to touch those who are really homeless.”

Ernie Ramos, 55, of Fullerton has been volunteering at the mission since 1985. The terrorist attacks two months ago made Thanksgiving even more special, he said.

“I used to scream and yell about not having a new car, but that doesn’t matter anymore,” said Ramos, an optometrist. “Anyone could have been killed.”

Officials and volunteers said there have been fewer donations and volunteers since the September terrorist attacks, but the needy seem to be more appreciative than ever.

“People are saying thank you and making more eye contact,” said Ramos, folding his apron after a full day on the serving line.

At Laguna Beach’s Bluebird Park, about 400 people--some of them homeless, some just hungry, and a group of volunteers--gathered for the 15th annual Thanksgiving potluck, which began with the singing of “America the Beautiful.”

A priest who was present for the gathering was called upon to speak before lunch was served. In his homily, he spoke of gratitude for life and sorrow for the people who perished in the terrorist attacks.

“The attacks impacted us in such a way that our hearts are open,” said Marline Dronsky, 67, a retired teacher from Laguna Hills. “It brought awareness of suffering of others and makes me aware of how much we all need each other.”

She helped a woman with three boys in tow and a baby in her arms put food on their plates.

“It’s unfortunate that it takes a disaster to put everything into perspective,” said Charrisse Newby of Mission Viejo.

Since the Sept. 11 attacks, Ross Unger’s disc jockey business has fallen off by 40%, creating hardship for him and his brothers, who work with him.

“I’m low on cash and it’s really nice to see people care, especially when the economy is down,” said Unger, 52.

His brother, Mark, 58, often plays the flute and recorder on the streets of downtown Laguna Beach. He said people are more generous these days with tips, but they don’t make up for the smaller paychecks he earns at his brother’s business.