Ju Hwan Lee (James)
On December 17th, 2011, from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM on a rainy day, all 14 districts (about 250 volunteers) from PAVA (Pacific American Volunteer Association) came to downtown in Los Angeles to provide a meal for about 500 homeless people. They were also given socks, 160 jumpers, and other home supplies. Hundreds of homeless came to the event and they were all given a scoop of rice, chicken teriyaki, bulgogi, shrimp fried rice, salad, and refreshments. “God Bless You! I especially love the teriyaki; it’s delicious,” says Brenda Maurice Straughter, a homeless who was heartily eating her food.
Many homeless were enjoying the provided food. “If I had money, I would have bought this,” says James Morrison. Around 20 volunteers were walking back and forth to deliver the food to the tables. “I feel really sorry for these homeless people and I’m really glad I’m able to provide these people with food; I wish I could give them more food,” says Sarah Park, a PAVA volunteer. Another volunteer, Tommy Im says, “I’m glad I’m helping the poor by giving them rice and I have an urge to want to help them.”
“I’m very full and I really appreciate you guys doing this; this means a lot to us,” says Todd Yoshitsune, another volunteer. Around 20 minutes later, when most of the homeless were done eating, a few doctors came to the event to check the homeless people’s health. The homeless that were unhealthy were given medications to help them. “This is a very great event; God Bless all of you,” says John, a homeless.
About 15 minutes later, the homeless were all given their foods and they were almost done. Some of them had smiles on their faces as they left the event. “That was the best meal I’ve had in months,” says a nearby homeless.
Overall, the homeless event was a success. Hundreds of homeless came to the event and everyone that came was served their food.
