Elected Officials, Community Leaders, and 750+ Volunteers Gather for Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel’s Annual Valley Day of Service

LOS ANGELES, CA — This weekend, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D - Encino) was joined by elected officials, over 750+ volunteers, and more than 40 community groups who participated in service projects across the San Fernando Valley as part of Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel’s Annual Valley Day of Service. 

“Our annual Valley Day of Service brings out the very best in our community — neighbors from every faith and background coming together to give back and lift up those in need,” said Assemblymember Gabriel. “I’m deeply grateful to the more than 750 volunteers and our incredible partner organizations whose compassion and commitment have made a real difference across the San Fernando Valley.”

Volunteers at Hope the Mission participated in Meatball Madness, where community members gathered to roll out nearly 200,000 meatballs to help feed individuals experiencing homelessness across Los Angeles. Every meatball prepared was either served directly to the 3,000 current residents of Hope the Mission or frozen for future meals.

"Today reminded us that when a community comes together with purpose, the impact is extraordinary," said Rowan Vansleve, President of Hope the Mission and Los Angeles Mission. "Nearly 200,000 meatballs means thousands of small acts of love for our neighbors who need it most. We are deeply grateful to Assemblymember Gabriel, Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo, Mayor Karen Bass, LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin, LAUSD Board Member Kelly Gonez,  and every single volunteer who showed up and rolled up their sleeves — literally — to fight hunger and homelessness in LA."

Assemblymember Gabriel celebrated the Annual Valley Day of Service, an event that has had incredible community impact. Since its inception, the event has brought together 4,000 Angelenos and 100+ nonprofit organizations that have completed more than 50 different service projects.

“Los Angeles is at its best when we all come together, pitch in and help build the kind of city we can be proud to call home,” said Mayor Bass. “I want to thank Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel for being a champion for Los Angeles here locally and in Sacramento, and to the entire Hope the Mission team for calling upon all of us to make a difference. Working together, I know we can create lasting change for the better.”

Projects at the Valley Day of Service included:

• Preparing nearly 200,000 meatballs for those in need with Hope the Mission.  
• Cleaning up the Sepulveda Basin with Volunteers Cleaning Communities.
• Beautifying and planting roses at John A. Sutter Middle School.

Assemblymember Gabriel was joined by Mayor Karen Bass, Congressmember George Whitesides, Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo (D - Santa Clarita), LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin, and LAUSD Board Member Kelly Gonez.