"Turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing, green beans, ham, so you get your pickings of the best cooked meal," said Mai Lee of the Midnight Mission.
The event, which is expected to feed 4,000 of those in need, is made possible by hundreds of volunteers who woke up early to help out.
"I've been decorating the tables, doing the toys for the kids and sweeping up," said young volunteer Ty Jones.
"It makes your heart ache for how much more you can do throughout the year," said volunteer Kinzie Jones.
Many local leaders and notable celebrities were also volunteering their time and reflecting on what they were thankful for.
"I'm thankful for all the volunteers that are here today, I'm thankful for my family," said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
"I'm thankful to be in this place at this time on this day. I'm going to be 87 in a couple of weeks. I don't feel it. I just got happily married, and every day is full for me," said actor Dick Van Dyke.
The Midnight Mission serves meals every day and says support from the community is crucial.
"As organizations around us are reducing their services, government agencies are reducing their services, and so independent organizations like the Midnight Mission are really filling that gap," Lee said.
The Mission will serve one million meals this year, and for many, Thanksgiving is one of the most important.
"I can't think of any place I'd rather be on Thanksgiving Day than to be here and helping everybody," said Gary Moore of KLOS radio.
The Midnight Mission serves meals every day, and they could always use help. If you would like to volunteer, visit the Midnight Mission website.
