PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL --
With Thanksgiving less than a week away, many families are unsure how, or even if, they're going to celebrate.
"The work just hasn't been coming in, so we haven't had the funds to provide for Thanksgiving," said Sherita Sweeney, a West Palm Beach resident.
Fortunately for Sherita Sweeney's family, and many others like hers, two organizations are helping to put the "giving" in this season of "thanks".
Giving back of Palm Beach County... "And we've partnered with Bank of America, the Sheriff's Office, and Fire Rescue," said Heidi Feliciano the founder of Giving Back of Palm Beach County. And the Big Heart Brigade. Bill Tumulty is the Vice President of the Brigade and Pastor at Christ Fellowship Church.
About nine years ago... "We decided to partner with Big Heart Brigade, and begin to bring more and more volunteers, to try and get more and more support for the project and it grew from there," said Tumulty.
Last year the organization boxed up about 53,000 meals. This year they say it could go as high as 70,000.
Meanwhile, "Giving Back" has increased their output as well. "Our goal last year was to feed 500 families. This year, we wanted to feed 5,000 in our community. And we actually have succeeded and surpassed that number this year," said Feliciano. Meaning more feasting, and less famine for Palm Beach County families.
"Yes, yes it is...It's a blessing." said Sweeney. And leaving everyone involved with a little something extra, to be thankful for. "I'm thankful that we're able to do this...And that I have such a beautiful family. This is my family," said Tom Derita, founder of the Big Heart Brigade. "It is Thanksgiving, and it gives us all, a lot to be thankful for," said Feliciano.
