By Daily Press staff
Gratitude flourished among hundreds of needy families this past month when a local nonprofit opened up its heart and its supporters opened up their wallets.
The Heartfelt Foundation on Nov. 19 hosted its annual Thanksgiving holiday celebration, where hundreds of less fortunate children and their families were invited to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. The festive holiday party was held again this year at Santa Monica College, a long-time supporter of Heartfelt’s work.
The party touched and brightened the lives of many children and their families, organizers said. The kids had a day filled with arts and crafts, clowns, magic shows, face-painting and ice cream sundaes. The parents were grateful and appreciative for the hearty, delicious Thanksgiving dinner served to all and the overflowing food baskets, gift certificates, gift bags and goodies that each family received, organizers said.
In addition to hosting the Thanksgiving celebration party, Heartfelt also coordi-nated sending 60 volunteers throughout the city delivering food baskets to the homebound elderly and terminally ill. The volunteers who participate in Heartfelt’s service projects throughout the year are key to the organization’s success. More than 150 volunteers gave of their time and resources Saturday to help make the day a resounding success, organizers said.
The Heartfelt Foundation is a Santa Monica-based nonprofit organization founded in 1979 to assist individuals and families around the world through support services, food, medicine and financial assistance. Heartfelt relies on the generosity of individuals and businesses in the community and grants to carry on its work. A benefit for earthquake victims
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 30, 2005. Read the original PDF.