Los Angeles Lakers’ Annual Thanksgiving Celebration
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On Monday, November 22nd, the Los Angeles Lakers watched almost 200 children in the Pico Union neighborhood smile, as they served them a traditional Thanksgiving meal at the Salvation Army Red Shield Youth and Community Center. The Lakers partnered with Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ and served turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, yams, vegetables, cranberry sauce, rolls with apple butter and pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream.
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The children arrived after school for their Thanksgiving Meal, and to their surprise, the Laker Girls and Lakers Caron Butler, Kareem Rush and Luke Walton were there to serve the meal. As all of the children had their turns to be served by the Lakers, they were really excited and could not believe how tall the players were. After all the children finished their dinner and ate the pumpkin pie for dessert, the day ended with a loud CHEER, when the children found out they were going to receive Lakers backpacks filled with school supplies, generously donated by Staples. Two years ago, the Lakers Youth Foundation had renovated the Red Shield’s gymnasium floor, complete with Los Angeles Lakers and Sparks logos and colors, and donated the basketball hoops and backboards. 
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Every year, the Los Angeles Lakers aim to assist as many people and organizations as possible by holding an annual Thanksgiving Celebration and other annual holiday events. The Lakers have organized food giveaways to benefit various local non-profit organizations such as P.A.T.H (People Assisting the Homeless), the Venice Community Housing Corporation, and A Place Called Home.