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 who fed 1,000 guests with a freshly cooked holiday feast on Nov. 21.
Pastor Troy and his wife, Pastor Darlene Vaughn, 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, 7500 lbs of fresh sides including mac and cheese, green peas and mashed potatoes, along with 1,000 pecan pies, which were prepared by Manna Feast Catering Services.
Mayor Butts lauded the event as remarkable.
“What I’m seeing here today speaks directly to the kind of investment our community needs. I’m truly impressed by what CCM is doing. This kind of service strengthens Inglewood,” Butts said.
CCM assists with helping individuals transitioning out of homelessness.
“This wasn’t just a holiday celebration—it was a declaration of hope,” said Pastor Troy Vaughn. “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 over 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! Loved seeing everyone come out to support and had a great time with our friends,” said Scott.
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,” said Sharif.
“Thank you Anthony Anderson for ensuring families in Compton had turkeys and all the trimmings on the table for this holiday season!”
