Actor Anthony Anderson was on hand Nov. 23 at the Douglas Dollarhide Senior Center in Compton for a pre-Thansgiving food giveaway. Selected recipients received a box of food and a box of toiletries at the event.
Photo by Emilie St. John
By Emilie St. John
Contributing Writer
COMPTON — Thousands of families were helped during the holiday season due to the generosity of actor Anthony Anderson and basketball great Earvin “Magic” Johnson.
The weekend began with families assembling at the headquarters of Christ-Centered Ministries, which fed 1,000 guests with a freshly cooked holiday feast Nov. 21.
Pastor Troy Vaughn and his wife Darlene, Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts Jr. and Pastor Charles Blake II of West Angeles Church of God in Christ, were on hand to serve 80 whole turkeys, 80 hams, 7,500 pounds of fresh sides including macaroni and cheese, green peas and mashed potatoes, along with 1,000 pecan pies, which were prepared by Manna Feast Catering Services.
Butts lauded the event as remarkable.
“What I’m seeing here today speaks directly to the kind of investment our community needs,” Butts said. “I’m truly impressed by what CCM is doing. This kind of service strengthens Inglewood.”
Christ-Centered Ministries assists individuals transitioning out of homelessness.
“This wasn’t just a holiday celebration — it was a declaration of hope,” Pastor Troy Vaughn said. “We believe in restoration that lasts, and today we saw the power of community coming together to make that real.”
On Nov. 22, the festivities continued as the Magic Johnson Foundation returned to Inglewood’s Faithful Central Bible Church to assist more than 1,000 families with food and toy giveaways.
The drive-through giveaway provided families with a 25-pound box of fresh groceries as well as non-perishable food, a 15-pound box of personal care items, and a 5-pound box of Avon products, according to the foundation.
Johnson and his wife Cookie Johnson, were joined by his former Los Angeles Lakers teammates A.C. Green, Inglewood native Byron Scott and Michael Cooper.
“The Magic Johnson Foundation and Holiday of Hope in Inglewood brought me and my teammates together for the holidays for a day of fun and giving,” Scott said. “Loved seeing everyone come out to support and had a great time with our friends.”
Finally, in Compton on Nov. 23, the Anderson Family Foundation, led by actor Anthony Anderson, provided a drive-through food giveaway for residents who signed up to receive a box of food and toiletries at the Douglas Dollarhide Senior Center.
Families were provided with an email the day before notifying them of their being selected to participate, and upon arrival, they proceeded in an orderly and well coordinated fashion to receive their items.
In addition to being greeted by Anderson, who generously made himself available to those requesting photos, Compton Mayor Emma Sharif and Councilwoman Lillie Darden were also on hand to greet attendees.
“Today was a beautiful day, a day of giving and spreading joy to the families in Compton,” Sharif said.
“Thank you Anthony Anderson for ensuring families in Compton had turkeys and all the trimmings on the table for this holiday season.”
Emilie St. John is a freelance journalist covering the areas of Carson, Compton, Inglewood and Willowbrook. Send tips to her at emiliesaintjohn@gmail.com.
