This year marks the 32nd Annual Bill Brooks’ Food for Families Community Food Drive. Last year with over 150 registered drives, we were able to collect and distribute more than 150,000 pounds of food to needy families in Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee Counties.
Seacoast Bank, public and private schools, local businesses, civic and charitable organizations all come together with the help of WPTV during the Thanksgiving season in an effort to fight hunger that exists in our area. The food that is raised in each county remains in that county.
There are more than 100 social service agencies and churches that are registered with WPTV to receive the food that is raised through our food drive. This, primarily, is how the food gets to those in need. Food baskets/boxes are given to families served by the agencies and it is also used to stock agencies’ pantries in an effort to be able to assist families throughout the year. Additionally, schools that participate are encouraged to look within their own schools for families that may need a little extra help at this time of year.
Although WPTV does not ask for money, Bill Brooks’ Food for Families receives in excess of $25,000 each year from citizens who prefer to help financially. This money is distributed via The United Way on behalf of WPTV to several different social service agencies and organizations in each of the five counties this TV station serves.
To sign up for a food drive or find a drop-off location, please visit this page.