The stars will be out for the Los Angeles Mission's annual Easter Celebration of New Life for the Homeless on Friday.
A festive holiday meal will be served to thousands of men, women and children. Volunteers from the entertainment industry, local political leaders and Mission supporters will spread the hope of a new life to the homeless of Skid Row.
Each child will receive an Easter basket while adults will receive hygiene kits and new shoes and socks. Foot washing has both a spiritual and a practical application for the homeless, and will be provided by the Los Angeles Christian Health Centers.
More than 2,000 pairs of new shoes will be given away. etnies, the world’s leading Action Sports footwear and apparel manufacturer, is donating the shoes, and will have staff on hand to ensure a proper fit for everyone.
The Easter Bunny is among the celebrities expected to attend the event, joining other stars such as Jaimie Alexander (Thor), Mircea Monroe (Episodes), Maitland Ward (Boy Meets Girl), Aldis Hodge (Leverage), Kyla Pratt (Let’s Stay Together), Aaron Carter, Jen Lilley (Days of Our Lives), Vincent Ward (Then Walking Dead), Allison McAtee (The Haves and the Have Nots), Sondra Currie (Hangover Movies), Kiersey Clemons (Austin and Ally), Brandon Molale (Granite Falls), Tami Roman (Extant), E. J. Bonilla (Revenge), Sofia Sisniega (Gossip Girl: Acapulco), Lisa Long (Days of Our Lives), Ryan Sheckler (etnies skateboarder), Jon Mack (Playing for Keeps), Congresswoman Maxine Waters, City Council Members Paul Krekorian and Mitch O’Farrell, Police Chief Charlie Beck and others.
Easter Week foot washing is a Christian tradition. It is an act of humility and service – memorializing Jesus washing the feet of his disciples the night before he was crucified.
Many who are on the streets seldom have normal loving human contact. The foot washing combined with podiatric care, and individually fitted new shoes, is a practical and meaningful gift to people who are always on their feet. This outreach includes a special holiday meal as a way of inviting the homeless to learn about the Mission’s services, including its long-term program of restoration – in order to get off the streets permanently.
Full Event Details
Friday, April 18, 2014 (Good Friday) Street Event from 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM.
4:30 am Food preparations, shoe set-up, and the packing of the Easter baskets will begin in the Mission kitchen and dining area (Continues until 10:30 am)
5:00 am Breakfast served to overnight guests and those living at the Mission
7:00 am Breakfast will be served to guests in line outside
Street is closed to traffic to allow set-up of tents, serving area, tables, etc.
10:45 am Celebrities and other volunteers arrive on street.
11:00 am Food Service starts – special holiday meal prepared by mission chefs
11:15 am Foot Washing Begins – Easter basket distribution begins
3:00 pm Event Ends
WHERE: Los Angeles Mission, 303 E. 5th Street (Corner of Fifth and Wall St.) Los Angeles, CA 90013
