The numbers of families in need in Los Angeles are staggering and this holiday season there are tremendous opportunities to volunteer for Thanksgiving so all of us can give back.

Being a Los Angeles resident most of my life, it’s hard to believe the current facts about the homeless population in Los Angeles:

• The average age of a homeless person is 40, women tend to be younger.

•  20% are physically disabled.

•   33%  to 50%  are female.

• 48% graduated from high school.

During this time of need different shelters and organizations through out Los Angeles are offering their services to feed as many people as possible. In doing so, those who volunteer for Thanksgiving are always in demand to help out, and this is a great opportunity to give back. Some of these families, if not all, have no other means of getting food for the holiday, but will be counting on these organizations to provide meals for them:

• On Sunday November 20th the Kabbalah center in Los Angeles in preparing to give all items needed for 700 families at Pueblo Del Rio shelter to make their own Thanksgiving meals and they can use your help.

•  On Thanksgiving Day volunteers of America is preparing to feed over 300 people and can also use your help.

These are only two options out of so many different ways you can volunteer for Thanksgiving this year. There are also plenty of other shelters and organizations doing similar work throughout the Los Angeles area. Weather you are staying in Los Angeles for the holiday or perhaps having out-of-town guests visiting, this can be a great way to spend time with your guests while helping people in need.

Would you consider volunteering for the underprivileged in Los Angeles?  Please feel free to share your ideas and leave your comments below.