Thousands Served at the Los Angeles Mission

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Cindy Crawford help serve the Los Angeles Mission and Anne Douglas Center's Thanksgiving Meal for the Homeless on Wednesday (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)

Yesterday, thousands of homeless were served at the Los Angeles Mission, home of the Anne Douglas Center for Women. Actor Kirk and Anne Douglass hosted the Thanksgiving dinner with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Cindy Crawford, Corbin Bleu, Jennifer Love Hewitt and other notable names joining in on the serving line.

The Center for Women opened in 1992 bearing Anne Douglas' name for her generosity toward the homeless. The 30-bed facility is one just one of the components at the LA Mission on Skid Row.

But as widely reported, some charities are not keeping up with the larger influx of homeless. In Orange County, 920 families showed up to receive thanksgiving dinners where only 500 meals were available. "There were tears in our eyes as we had to turn people away," said executive director Terrie Montminy of Catholic Charities of Orange County to the LA Times.

This holiday season, there are many gifts you can buy that will also contribute to good causes. For example, You can buy a subscription to GOOD Magazine for a someone and the proceeds will go to a non-profit. Check out LAist's PhiLAnthropist's Gift Guide for more ideas.