Volunteers serve dinner to guests during St. Monica's Catholic Church29th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner for the Needy on Wednesday, November 26, 2008. More than 800 guests enjoyed a free traditional Thanksgiving dinner at St. Monica's Church on Wednesday.

Monsignor Lloyd Torgerson from St.Monica’s Church presents a message with the theme of being thankful during the Kiwanis Club of Santa Monica's weekly luncheon  on Wednesday, November 12, 2008, at the Santa Monica Family YMCA. "People jump from one thing to the next. Slow down and make this season a time to become a community of gratitude," said Monsignor Torgerson. 

(top) Santa Monica Police Officer Dawson gives field sobriety test to St. Monica High School Students on Tuesda, October 21, 2008, during "Red Ribbon Week." (center) St. Monica's High School Students wear 'Drunk Buster Goggle' to simulate .08 Impairment. (above) Santa Monica Police Officer John Gallagher gives a Breathalyzer test to a St. Monica High School student. The educational event was sponsored by SMPD and Mothers Against Drunk Driving, or MADD.

MADD is a non-profit organization that seeks to stop drunk driving, support those affected by drunk driving and prevent underage drinking. The campaign is a unified way for communities to take a stand against drugs and show intolerance for illicit drug use and the consequences to all Americans. The Red Ribbon Campaign is now the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation reaching millions of young people during Red Ribbon Week, October 23-October 31 each year.

Red Ribbon Week is an alcohol, tobacco and other drug and violence prevention awareness campaign observed annually, every October and is a way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against substance abuse. Schools, businesses, the faith community, media, families, and community coalitions join together to celebrate Red Ribbon Week in many ways, such as: sponsoring essay and poster contests; organizing drug-free races; decorating buildings in red; handing out red ribbons to customers; holding parades or community events; and by publicizing the value of a drug-free, healthy lifestyle.

1) Michael Crutcher, 58, eats turkey with all the trimmings during St. Monica's Catholic Church  28th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner for the Needy on Wednesday, November 21, 2007.  2) St. Monica's student, Crystal Sandoval, 14, volunteers during the Thanksgiving Eve dinner on Wednesday. 3,4) More than 800 guests enjoyed a free traditional Thanksgiving  dinner at St. Monica's Church on Wednesday.