Giving Thanks at Angelica Lutheran Church

The practice of giving back on Thanksgiving began in 2003, when Rev. Carlos Paiva of Angelica Lutheran Church generously provided classroom space to Central City Value in its first year of operation.

As our school community has grown, giving back has become a tradition at Value Schools. University Prep Value High School, Downtown Value School, and Everest Value School have joined their peers from Central City Value to give back to their Pico Union families and neighbors.

Value Schools CEO David Doyle reflected on the commitment he made to Rev. Carlos and his community in 2006. 

"We are grateful for their support," said Doyle, "and we serve each year because we want students to remember the kindness given to them and then to 'pay it forward.' Without the support of Rev. Carlos over the years, Central City Value High School would not exist today."

Alumni return each season to do just that. Jennifer G., an alumnus from Downtown Value in 2007, Central City Value in 2011, and graduate from California State University, Northridge in 2015 said, "I continue to volunteer because it gives me an opportunity to give back to my community and because I enjoy helping others. It's very rewarding seeing how happy the families get when we serve them a thanksgiving dinner."

We wish you well during this holiday season, and thank you for the support you have shown Value Schools today, every day, and on Giving Tuesday!