Peacemakers Care for LA Communities This Holiday Season
As we enter the new year, our work to create safety and dismantle harmful systems will become increasingly urgent. But in 2024, peacemakers across Los Angeles have remained steadfast in their commitment to community safety. Most of them spent countless hours negotiating peace agreements, conducting rumor control, and deescalating conflicts—all in the name of saving lives. They also go above and beyond these peacekeeping efforts to demonstrate unwavering care for their communities with food and toy giveaways, and community gatherings to break bread. Join UPI in celebrating the breadth of impact the Los Angeles Violence Intervention Coalition has made and the many ways members are contributing to their communities this holiday season!
2nd Call gave out about 500 turkeys for Thanksgiving and hosted a Peace Day event for healing, community outreach, and fun.
Advocates 4 Peace & Urban Unity (APUU) hosted a giveaway passing out over 1,000 turkeys and a toy giveaway for single parents.
Alliance for Community Empowerment (ACE) gave out 515 turkeys and distributed toys to six communities in the San Fernando Valley.
In addition to turkeys, hams and gift cards for Thanksgiving, Arise & Go distributed 600 toys for children and 300 pairs of Vans for teenagers while gathering the community for dinner.
"The intention is to offset gun violence in the Valley by providing meals to help families feel included and part of the community." - Mia Arredondo, Champions In Service
Brothers Taking Responsibility of Our Community (BTROC) gave away 200 hot meals to unhoused folks in the community, and hosted a men’s conference that brought together six communities to mediate ongoing peace and nonaggression agreements.
In addition to 600 turkey meals and 1,000 toys, Champions In Service provided winter items for 200 families selected by community violence intervention workers.
Along with their annual turkey giveaway, Chapter T.W.O. hosted two Christmas giveaways with over 600 toys for their community -- and tacos and music to bring folks together!
Community Warriors 4 Peace (CW4P) ensured that participants and families were fed for Thanksgiving with 150 food giveaways of turkey or chicken and sides. CW4P also hosted the annual Navidad en el Barrio providing breakfast and groceries to 150 families and giving away 250 toys.
Southern California Ceasefire wrapped up 2024 by providing meal support at a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway, as well as a ceasefire end-of-year celebration and a Christmas event for the community.
“It’s more than just a toy giveaway, it’s about bringing our community together and breaking bread. It's a time when those of us that have been impacted by the gang lifestyle, community violence, and the justice system can come together in peace, unity and joy.” - Javier Martinez, Arise & Go
Southern California Crossroads held several community events for Thanksgiving and Christmas including a staff movie day for the team to relax and connect.
Strong Shoulders partnered with various community organizations to host a turkey giveaway and winter events including a Snow Day with food, games and fun.
We know there are so many more community events and activities that could be added to this list. To those who have spent the last year actively caring for LA's most violence-impacted communities, we see you and thank you!
In 2025, there is much more work to be done to ensure that peacemakers receive the support they need to continue this lifesaving work. Join the movement by signing UPI's peace pledge and showing your commitment to safe communities. We're stronger together!
