‘Sweet Alice’ Harris continues Watts tradition of Thanksgiving turkey giveaway

LOS ANGELES - Beloved Watts resident and philanthropist Alice Harris, better known as "Sweet Alice," continued a treasured holiday tradition of helping families in need for the 63rd year.

Harris said the event in the South LA neighborhood was a lot different from when it first started. 

"[People] didn’t believe we were going to give them anything," she said. Back in 1960, only 25 people showed up and 63 years later, it's a full community event. 

This year, Mrs. Harris said they were set to give out 800 turkeys. In addition, Harris added the Long Beach Food Bank donated $425 gift certificates in the event they ran out of turkeys. 

Mrs. Harris, who will celebrate her 90th birthday on Dec. 29, said the food giveaway doesn't require a police presence because it represents the best of Watts. 

SUGGESTED:

• Inside the Jackson Limousine annual turkey & grocery giveaway
• Sweet Alice's annual Christmas party
• Clippers unveil Russell Westbrook Community Court at Jesse Owens Park in South LA
• LA Clippers distribute food to 1,000 families in need at annual Feed the Community event

During the food distribution event, volunteers also provided clothes for those in need and information on nutritional programs.