St. Monica's Catholic Church Conducts Annual Thanksgiving Give-away of Clothes and Food to Needy in Santa Monica

11.23.22: Several hundred needy people were given free food and clothing at St. Monica's Catholic Church in Santa Monica on Wednesday afternoon. Volunteers assisted in both projects. St. Monica's conducts monthly food collections. But on Thanksgiving, is the public invited for free meals.

Recipients also were given sleeping bags and clothing. The line reached down the block and around the Church.

"Today was absolutely amazing," wrote City Councilmember Lana Negrete, who attended the event. "I’m always in awe how St Monica’s Catholic Church and the amazing Monsignor manage to organize the community in such a beautiful way."

"Today we fed over 700 people and gifted them clothing and toiletries, gave medical check ups and had various service providers. @prattprattpratt and @katherineschwarzenegger paid for all the turkeys and the Jonathan Club was gracious enough to cook and prepare all the meals! @westcoastcare_sm, Claire Matrix, SPY, Chrysalis, The People’s Concern and others were all there to provide services to our guests today. 700 volunteers, served food and beverages, set up, broke down, washed dishes, bussed tables, were personal shoppers for our guests, ran boutique stations and greeted and guided. Pastor Ron and Monsignor greeted every single guest as they came in. It was a beautiful and collaborative effort that’s been going on for 47 years! Luis and I were so grateful to be a small part of it today and are so proud to be a part of the @stmonica90403 community." Negrete posted to Facebook.

"Food insecurity is currently at an all-time high throughout L.A. and on the Westside-because of financial challenges sparked by the pandemic, many individuals and families are reaching out for food support for the very first time. The need is great-for example, from March 2020 to October 2020, Los Angeles food banks distributed 145% more food than normal," says the Church's website.

"St. Monica sponsors the monthly Loaves & Fishes Food Drive, which helps provide food to the Westside Food Bank and the St. Joseph Center Food Bank. The food is distributed to individuals and families in need in our local community and to organizations that work with people in need. Help us make sure that everyone can get the nutrition that they need."