Looking to Give Back This Thanksgiving?

As Thanksgiving approaches, many people in the North Hollywood-Toluca Lake area look for ways to give back to the community and donate their time and efforts to making sure no one goes hungry on Thanksgiving.

Here are several volunteer opportunities that help feed those in need:

Krekorian Holding Thanksgiving Food Drive

Councilmember Paul Krekorian kicked off his annual Holiday Food Drive to Stamp Out Hunger recently, and is asking residents throughout his district and the city to help those in need by donating food to the Sunland-Tujunga Temporary Aid Center and the North Hollywood Interfaith Pantry. 

"Each year, hundreds of thousands of Angelenos go hungry, including far too many in the San Fernando Valley," Councilmember Krekorian said in a press relese. "I was elated at our community’s generosity last year, but the problem of hunger unfortunately persists. Once again, all of us need to donate what we can to help ease the pain of our less fortunate neighbors throughout the Valley."

In 2010, which was the second year Krekorian led the drive, 1,086 pounds of donations were collected.

Food donations can be made at the councilman's field office in North Hollywood at 6350 Laurel Canyon Dr., Suite 201 and his downtown main office at 200 Spring Street, Suite 435.

The councilman is asking for canned food, non-perishable goods and boxed items.

North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry

The North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry is made up of eight churches and two synagogues working together to help feed the Valley's needy. Food is distributed at First Christian Church of North Hollywood every Monday and Friday. Every year, on the day before Thanksgiving, the 10 members participate in an Interfaith Service of Thanksgiving, which will also be held at the Temple Adat Ari-El at 12020 Burbank Blvd. in Valley Village at 7:30 p.m. Krekorian will be stopping by to drop off some of the food donations from his drive to be distributed.

Temple Beth Hillel's Feed the Hungry Thanksgiving Feast

Temple Beth Hillel is proud to host its 12th annual Feed the Hungry Thanksgiving Feast this coming Thanksgiving Day on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Members of the community are welcome to support the Temple Beth Hillel Feed the Hungry Feast by making voluntary financial contributions. Checks should be made out to Brotherhood, Temple Beth Hillel and mailed to Temple Beth Hillel, 12326 Riverside Drive, Valley Village, CA 91607.

The Temple is also interested in getting names of community groups, shelters and similar organizations who would benefit from receiving meals for those they serve.

Thanksgiving Feast - Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission

On the day before Thanksgiving, the Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission will serve up to 1,500 people a delicious Thanksgiving meal starting at 1 p.m.

The feast will be served at 6425 Tyrone St. in Van Nuys Thursday.

Volunteers are needed. See the attached video from the 2010 event.

Jewish Family Service Food Drive

SOVA Food Pantry, a division of Jewish Family Service, which has a storefront senior center in North Hollywood, is in the middle of its virtual food drive, which invites you to make contributions online. For every $1 in donations, JFS/SOVA can purchase $5 in groceries from its suppliers.

For those interested in giving food directly, the SOVA Food Pantry, located 16439 Vanowen Street in Van Nuys, accepts donations of non-perishable food only. You will also see collection barrels at your own synagogue. Especially needed at this time are powdered milk and breakfast cereal.

San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission

The San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission is an outreach ministry of the Rescue Mission Alliance and is a non-profit, Christian organization that ministers to the needs of the homeless and less fortunate in the San Fernando Valley. The organization offers both emergency and long-term rehabilitation services. This particular center is located on Saticoy Avenue just behind the Super Thrift Store and Valley Food Bank.

By joining forces with local community churches, the alliance can provide shelters and run local food banks and thrift stores in the area. Volunteers are always welcome as are donations of any kind.