Bryson is the founder of Never Forgotten Foundation, a nonprofit organization that donated 2,500 pounds of turkey and other meat products, including 700 pounds of ground beef and 1,000 pounds of chicken.
In addition, the organization donated enough canned and dried food to feed more than 10,000 people. Other items included thousands of pounds of canned vegetables, breakfast items, and bags of flour, sugar, pasta and rice to help those who frequent the mission every day.
"I have long held the belief that charity should begin at home,” Bryson said. “When we arrived last year during our initial donation and saw the long lines of people around the building and the dire need for food at the shelter, I wanted to make certain that we would more than double our efforts this year. It is my heartfelt desire to ensure that at least during this holiday season, not a single person in Long Beach would go hungry."
The annual donations are solely funded by Bryson and through key relationships with local businesses, including Costco and Smart & Final stores in Cypress, Calif., that donated food or gave discounts on purchased items, he was able to maximize the number of people fed.
Bryson also enlisted the help of his GET employees to help unload the massive amount of food from a 27-foot truck.
"The amount of food purchased has never been seen before. We felt fortunate to have been part of such a great deed," said Nick Espinosa, owner of Signal Hill's Casa de Carne, who also donated hundred of pounds of patties, sausage links and crab cakes.
Last year, Bryson donated enough food for about 8,000 meals. This year Fred Sigrist, director of food service at the mission, estimated that Bryson has exceeded the previous donation with an estimated 20,000 meals.
"This is the time of year when many people are drawn to think about others, which is a blessing,” said Rev. James Lewis, Long Beach Rescue Mission president and CEO. “We provide immediate needs which begin with a meal and a hand-up to start a positive change in their lives."
The Long Beach Rescue Mission organization offers food, shelter and spiritual guidance to homeless men, women and children.
