LOS ANGELES (November 22, 2006) — “Spartacus” star Kirk Douglas, who turns 90 next month, joined volunteers on Thanksgiving eve to dish up turkey feasts to thousands of street denizens outside the Los Angeles Mission.
Tony Danza, Minnie Driver, Kevin Nealon, Sally Kirkland, Jason Ritter, Judy Tenuta and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa were among those on hand Wednesday to help Douglas and his wife, Anne, deliver holiday cheer to the homeless and the less fortunate.
“I’m in the position of such fortune in my life, and as far as I can see, it’s not very many steps away from being homeless,” Driver said as she helped dish out food.
Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, rolls and pumpkin pie were on the menu for the four-hour 5th Street event held in the heart of downtown’s Skid Row. More than 3,000 people were expected to be served.
The Los Angeles Mission Community Clinic also provided foot care and medical exams.
“It’s a wonderful party,” said Mission President Herbert Smith.
At the nearby Fred Jordan Mission, volunteers were expected to serve about 2,000 Thanksgiving meals to the homeless.
The Los Angeles Mission is home to the Anne Douglas Center for Women, which was created more than a decade ago. In June, the Douglases were on hand when 10 computers were donated to the center. City National Bank, Nestle and mission staff contributed to the purchase.
The computers are used by former homeless women for job training.
“It’s a pleasure to have them here,” Smith said of Kirk and Anne Douglas. “They have been wonderful supporters of the mission for years.”
The Los Angeles Mission has served Skid Row for more than a half-century, providing emergency services such as shelter, food, clothing and medical services. The mission also offers long-term residential rehabilitation programs, including job training, placement and counseling.
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