LA Mission feeds hungry, washes feet for Thanksgiving

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The Los Angeles Mission fed thousands of people an early holiday meal Wednesday. And it's not just food being served.

"I am just thankful that it is here," said John Koellner of Los Angeles.

"At least I will have a Thanksgiving meal just in case I didn't get a turkey," said Rosa Miller of Los Angeles.

The L.A. Mission expects to feed some 4,000, making sure those people get a hearty meal during the holidays.

But it wasn't just about a hot meal.

"We're giving out tarps, we're doing health care, basically trying to let people know about the services at the Mission," said Herb Smith, president of the L.A Mission.

Celebrities, local leaders and other volunteers took time out to serve.

"At a time when things are really tough all over the country and all over the world, it's good to just be kind to somebody," said actor and comedian George Lopez.

"There's so many people hungry or homeless who are looking for a stranger to reach out his hand," said Antonio Villaraigosa, former L.A. mayor.

Volunteers like Valorie Hubbard were happy to wash the feet of the less fortunate.

"It's humbling," said volunteer Valorie Hubbard. "You think you have problems, but then you think you meet someone who doesn't know where they are going to eat tomorrow; it changes your life."