Danny Glover, Bobby Jackson, Mark S. Allen and Deon Taylor spent their Sunday spreading holiday cheer to families at the Country Club Plaza on Watt Avenue. They were among volunteers distributing holiday bags, complete with turkey and stuffing, to 500 single-parent families.

Glover is familiar with Sacramento, having grown up in the Bay Area. The actor and activist said his parents always worked two jobs when he was growing up to provide for him and his brothers.

"It feels good to hand out the meals," he said as he handed a turkey to another family. Glover has starred in over 40 movies. "More and more families are struggling, living off of credit, hoping for a period of prosperity. This is one of those times when people can be happy and smile."

Jackson, formerly with the Sacramento Kings, said he "was raised with my twin sisters by a single parent. My mother worked hard and I feel I was blessed." His organization, the Bobby Jackson Foundation, sponsored the food giveaway. Jackson said he believes in sharing blessings with the residents of Sacramento and sees nothing but "brightness" in the city's future.

The event was also sponsored by Deon Taylor Enterprises. Deon Taylor is a local filmmaker who wrapped his latest movie, Clown'd, earlier this week in downtown Sacramento. Taylor was raised by his single mother and can recall many times in his youth when food was scarce.

The crowd grew excited as Glover and Jackson made their way across the room. Mother D'Aun Thompson, who heard about the event on the radio, said she is grateful for it. "I plan on cooking this meal on Christmas," Thompson said. When asked her favorite part of the meal, she smiled. "Turkey, of course."

Dusty Moctezuma, a junior at Valley High School, was one of many volunteers from the area. She not only helped the needy, but earned volunteer hours for her school's tally in the "Mayor's Challenge." The challenge is in partnership with Hands on Sacramento to raise a million volunteer hours by the end of the year. Francisco Chavez of Midtown also heard about the event on the radio earlier and was there to volunteer with three friends.

The Elk Grove Montessori School Choir played and Allen, a local television personality, emceed the event. Having grown up in West Texas, Allen said he understands what it's like to have a tough holiday. "This is what life is about. With my dad in the oil industry, it was either feast or famine each year at Christmas.

After the bags were distributed, Glover and Jackson took to the stage before screaming fans. They laughed and joked, posing for pictures and signing autographs for anyone who asked.

Darrell Luckett surprised his girlfriend, Angie, with a marriage proposal in front of the crowd. He was aided in the ruse by Allen, who called her to the stage.

At the end of the show, families left, with smiles on their faces and turkeys in tow.

Angie said yes. Congratulations.

Photos courtesy of Matthew Ceccato.