Los Angeles Celebrities, Community Leaders Wash Homeless Feet on Good Friday

Actress Jen Lilley makes her living playing Theresa Donovan on the daytime drama, "Days of Our Lives," but on Good Friday she lived out her faith on the streets of Los Angeles, washing the feet of the homeless.
 
Lilley joined community leaders and everyday volunteers who served thousands of homeless people at the annual Easter event hosted by the Los Angeles Mission.
 
"The reason I'm here is because it's honoring Jesus," Lilley said. "I'm a Christian and John 13 talks about Jesus washing His disciples feet and it's something we're called to do. If our Lord and Savior can be so humble as to serve us -- He is God, He is the Word, He's been there since the beginning of time as we know it and beyond -- then we are absolutely obligated to serve. I think it's a great pleasure and I'm really excited to be part of it."
 
Volunteers wash the feet of the homeless because those on the margins of society seldom experience "caring contact" from others, according to a press release from the Los Angeles Mission. The washing of feet is a Christian tradition that demonstrates humility and service as modeled by Jesus on the night before His Crucifixion.
 
That ministry, combined with foot care, free socks and free shoes are a practical service for people who spend all day on their feet, the release said.
 
Click here to listen to actress Jennifer Lilley talk about why she spent Good Friday serving homeless people in Los Angeles and hear L.A. Mission president Herb Smith describe the services the mission gives to the homeless.
 
Workers served about 3,500 meals, conducted medical examinations, and gave away hygiene kits, socks, candy and even 2,000 pairs of sports shoes at the event. The city shut down part of  downtown's 5th Street --known locally as the "Nickel"-- to create a carnival like atmosphere with booths lining the street.
 
Los Angeles Christian Health Centers coordinated the medical exams and distribution of hygiene kits, while the Los Angeles Police Department conducted TB tests.
 
For the 19th year shoe company Etnies donated sports shoes to the mission. This year, the company gave away 2,000 pairs specially fitted for each adult attending the event.
 
Also, 1,000 children received Easter baskets packed with candy and small toys.
 
"We do this primarily because Jesus told us to help out those in need," Los Angeles Mission President Herb Smith said. "We know sometimes that need is emergency crisis and sometimes it's long-term and this is a way to let people know about the services we provide…and, also, just to have a great time because, just like you and me, a party is a fun thing to go to and we hope the same is true for our friends and neighbors here on Skid Row."
 
Founded in 1936 as a soup kitchen and Christian outreach to homeless men on Skid Row, today the Los Angeles Mission still serves daily meals and runs long-term rehabilitation programs to heal body, mind and spirit. To learn more, visit themission's web site.