Thanksgiving: Where-to-Donate in San Pedro [Updated]
There’s nothing more ‘San Pedro’ than looking out for your neighbors and lending a helping hand. Here are a few charitable organizations you can help in making sure every table in town has Thanksgiving dinner:
First Presbyterian Church
Now in its 18th year, First Presbyterian Church’s Thanksgiving Family Food Baskets Drive have delivered 12,000 baskets to 72,000 needy recipients (the late John Olguin may have sold you on buying one). This year, volunteers hope to provide 1,000 baskets that each feed a family of six. The baskets are made up of items donated by local supermarkets, and cost $40 each.
What: $40 donations for Thanksgiving baskets
Where: 731 S. Averill Ave.
Contact: (310) 832-7597
Harbor Interfaith Services
Harbor Interfaith Services is accepting donations of turkeys and canned foods that will make up meal baskets for more than 300 families. The last day to drop off food or donations is Tuesday, Nov. 26, when the baskets will be given to families.
What: Turkeys, canned goods, monetary donations
Where: 670 W 9th St.
Contact: (310) 831-0603
Toberman Neighborhood Center
San Pedro’s 110-year-old service organization is putting together Thanksgiving dinner baskets for more than 150 families of various of sizes. The last day to drop off donations is Nov. 22 at 2 p.m.
What: dry food items, canned goods, grocery store gift cards, monetary donations
Where: 131 N. Grand Ave., Third Floor
Contact: (310) 832-1145
Beacon House
Every year, Beacon House blocks off part of Eleventh Street and cooks up free Thanksgiving dinner. They also bring meals to homeless encampments around town. Donations are needed to keep this program going strong.
What: turkeys, pies, supplies including plastic ware, plastic aprons and hairnets, monetary donations
Where: 1003 South Beacon St.
Contact: Jorge Trujillo, (310) 514-4940
San Pedro Service Center
The San Pedro Service Center Food Pantry puts together baskets for clients who might not otherwise have Thanksgiving dinner. Non-perishable donations are accepted during operating hours.
What: non-perishable food, monetary donations
Where: 769 W 3rd Street
Contact: (310) 519-6091
UPDATE: Crime in San Pedro has canceled its holiday drive due to weather and lack of response.
Crime in San Pedro
San Pedro’s most popular Facebook page announced its first holiday food drive, starting with a Thanksgiving drive this weekend. Volunteers will be accepting donations this Saturday at Point Fermin Park that will go to Rainbow Services and Harbor Interfaith Services. If you can’t make it on Saturday, donations can also be dropped off at Badfish Clothing Company and Philie B’s on Sixth.
What: non-perishable food items, clothing, toiletries (sealed), blankets, new and unwrapped toys, monetary donations
Where: Point Fermin Park
When: Saturday, Nov. 23 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Contact: Crime in San Pedro
Photo: “The First Thanksgiving” by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris (1863–1930)
