Time for thanks!

Venice beach, Ca

This past Monday the Los Angeles Lakers kicked off their "A Season of Giving" at the Boys and Girls Club of Venice. Partnered with East West Bank and with food provided by Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ, the Lakers served holiday meals to over 200 boys and girls and their families. Pau Gasol kicked everything off with a message of holiday cheer and then the guests were entertained by musical acts from the clubs members. Lucille's proveided a wonderfully done traditional Thanksgiving spread complete with all the fixins'. There was Turkey, ham, green salad, mashed potatoes (regular and sweet), dressing, and of course, pumpkin pies. Lakers players Bynum, Mihm, Gasol, and Yue alongside their defender counter parts, Joe Crawford, Dwayn Mitchell, and Brandon Heath all participated. The entire Lakers Girls dance squad was on hand as well for the festivities. 

The Laker Girls visited with club members while everyone ate, signing autographs and posing for pictures. Also before everyone left there was a raffle that everyone in attendance was eligable for. The Lakers gave away five sets of 4 tickets to Sunday's game vs the Toronto Raptors. Those who didn't win game tickets still got to leave with a little something to remember their special day. East West Bank gave away holiday bags with Laker goodies, back to school supplies and presents from the bank. Since the year 2000 the Lakers have been giving back to thousands of under privileged children and adults in the community with their "A Season of Giving" campaign. In the past Lakers have also done Turkey dinners, holiday fishing trips for homeless children, holiday grocery giveaways, and a "Wish Night with the Lakers" at home games. Employees of the team have also adopted local children and soliders alike to provide gifts and grant holiday wishes. 

Chula Vista, Ca

Thousands of people lined up outside the Chula Vista Wal-mart store after receiving vouchers for a free turkey dinner. 30 area non profit organizations handed out the vouchers to families in need during this holiday season. With the help of over 200 volunteers and Chargers teammates, LaDainian Tomlinson dished out more than 2,100 turkeys. As L.T. handled the turkeys alongside his wife, Torsha, Darren Sproles, Jacques Cesaire, and Marques Harris handed out the boxes of stuffing, vegetables, and beverages. Matt Wilhelm was also on hand giving out dinner rolls to everyone.

"This is our favorite holiday," said LaDainian, who bought all the turkeys. "It always has been. Growing up I can just about remember every Thanksgiving we've had. So for us, this is the perfect holiday to do this.

"Torsha Tomlinson, lauded those who asked for food. "

I think it takes a lot to humble yourself, and say, 'I need help,' she said noting that the event has qudrupled in size since its first year. "To see this many people come out - who are we to not help them?"

This was the seventh year L.T. has been pleased to give out the fixings for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner as part of his, "Giving Thanks with L.T. and Friends" event. Nobody was turned away even those who didn't have vouchers for their meals. Many praises were sung from the adoring fans in need. So many expressed that with job layoffs and the economy being in it's current state they could not afford a proper Thanksgiving. This was the equivalent to a couple weeks wage for many who showed up. Some as early as 2a.m. to get in line for this years event.

Other Chargers players participated in the 30th annual blood drive and other charity events around town.