When we left Los Angeles for the month, Scarlet stayed in the loving hands of extended family.  As soon as we returned, we wanted to give back to the LA community on Easter.  We woke up bright and early in the desert to head back to San Pedro for Easter brunch with our mini me’s and family. 

We felt so loved and special to be surrounded by the Wagners and so grateful to spend the holiday here with their extended family.  It was hard to say good-bye and leave the celebration early, but we knew it was for the greater good. 

We were headed to Food on Foot in Hollywood.  Food on Foot is a volunteer-run non-profit.  The founder chooses not to take a salary and instead puts all the money back into the organization.  The program is very strict. It’s based on consistency, building trust, and earning points. This all leads to graduation.  They feed the poor and the homeless as well as provide clothing, help find full-time jobs and housing, and help them re-build their confidence.  They serve every Sunday in Hollywood off of Santa Monica Boulevard.  We donated $20 each and it went towards the award prizes of food cards. 

Upon arriving, slightly late due to traffic (surprise, surprise) we pulled in as orientation was taking place in the parking lot. Mel and I changed right on the side of Scarlet, out of our Easter bests. We threw on some aprons and jumped right in.

It was extremely rewarding interacting with everyone. The program is one that requires hard work and there are no handouts given. These individuals want to have a better life.  We were fortunate enough to listen to three of their stories.  Although they were all success stories, they were all very different.  The one that resonated most with us was the last one mainly because she was a woman. This particular woman had been homeless due to an abusive relationship and she didn’t have any family to fall back on.  She began crying, not of sadness, but in thanks for what we were doing.  She called us all Easter people because that’s what Easter is all about–rebirth and fresh starts. We may not have realized how much an hour and a half out of our holiday means, but it clearly means so much.  This strong woman now has a PhD. She was such an inspiration to us to keep moving forward. 
Next time we see a homeless person we will not just bypass them without some extra thought.  We don’t know everyone else’s story but a lot of people just need a little help.  We are so thankful to have had the opportunity to help a great organization, as well as people less fortunate on a holiday.  We left there with warm hearts driving down Santa Monica Boulevard with the windows down and Sheryl Crow blasting.  It was a perfect Easter on the West Coast.