Thanksgiving is a time of festive celebration, a celebration that centers around the enjoyment of family feasts. Yet what happens when a family struggling to provide everyday meals for their loved ones is faced with the possibility of being unable to provide them with a holiday feast? Well the philanthropists of Hernando County are determined to provide supplements of sunshine to families in need, in the form of feasts!
The Community Food Bank serves more than 70,000 individuals each month by acquiring and distributing nutritious food to more than 50 pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters; Including eight based in Hernando County. “Here is what the Community Food Bank is striving to accomplish this holiday season. The Community Food Bank (CFB) would like to make sure everyone has a meal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. The 50+ agencies served by the CFB provide meals to approximately 70,000 people each month. One meal equates to a pound of food. $1 buys a pound of food. Goal is to raise $210,000 to have 210,000 pounds of food available for holiday meals,” said Gina Smith, a representative of Community Food Bank. Donate at: www.Feed352.org Or Text the word DONATE to 352-280-3391.
Becky Burton, Executive Director of People Helping People in Hernando County, Inc., is sharing the current needs of a 501(c)(3), nonprofit, interfaith organization established to provide basic necessities to impoverished people in our local community. PHP’s vision is to end hunger in Hernando County, Florida. “We are always in need of money!” said Becky Burton, Executive Director of People Helping People in Hernando County, Inc. Other items they’re in need of are:
- Sturdy Blankets or sleeping bags
- Men’s pants (28” – 34” waist)
- 16 oz. Peanut Butter
- 6 oz. Juice Boxes
- Shelf Stable milk OR powdered milk
- Canned Pasta with Meat (spaghetti, ravioli)
- Canned Chili (with beans)
Bring donations to the People Helping People Help Center, 1396 Kass Circle in Spring Hill.
Amanda McCann, VP of Development & Recruitment for Jericho Road Ministries, Inc., said that the agency, a non-profit organization who offers housing, food, and hope in Jesus Christ, is seeking donations of food and money. “Below is a list of food donations we are looking for. Any monetary donations we receive will go toward housing and feeding homeless men, women, and families during this holiday season. Anyone can donate at www.jericho-road.net/donate,” she said.
- Green beans
- Stuffing
- Gravy
- Mashed potatoes
- Yams
- Pumpkin
- Cranberry
- Cream of mushroom soup
(all cans or boxed)
“Thanks for your partnership and God Bless!” said McCann. Donations are accepted at the Jericho Road food barn, 1165 Howell Avenue, Brooksville.
The Pace Center for Girls in Hernando County was founded in 2018 to serve middle and high school girls “who are struggling but want to make positive changes in their lives. As a movement, Pace was founded in 1985 to provide an opportunity for young women and girls to create a better future through education, counseling, training, and advocacy.” Pace helps more than 3,000 girls every year throughout the state of Florida. And currently, Pace seeks to provide Thanksgiving meals for clientele in need.
“We are in need of 10 meals,” said Diana Jerome, Community Engagement Manager – Pasco & Hernando. Please contact Diana Jerome, Pace Center for Girls at [email protected].
The Salvation Army of Hernando County is conducting no fewer than five Thanksgiving food distributions this year, supplying full meals for those in need. According to Lt. Julie Chamberlain, who oversees The Salvation Army of Brooksville/Hernando County with Lt. Mike Chamberlain, a wide variety of community donations are needed. “We could always use turkeys,” said Chamberlain. “We always encourage the donation of canned goods, pie crusts, biscuit mixes, breakfast foods, etc. If someone would like to donate food items, they can drop them off at the Salvation Army office, 15464 Cortez Blvd. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday 9-3 or if they need to make other arrangements, they can also call (352)796-1228. We also accept monetary donations which can be earmarked for this service as well.” Monetary donations can be earmarked for holiday meals at https://bit.ly/3bUwpn0. “This year more than ever, the need is great,” said Chamberlain.
