YMCA Gives Families Holiday Groceries

Widow Was Facing Choice Of Thanksgiving Dinner Or Electricity

POSTED: Tuesday, November 24, 2009

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A local branch of the YMCA has partnered with John E. Ford Elementary School to provide Thanksgiving dinners to families of students who would otherwise have to do without.

One of the families to be helped by this outreach of the YMCA's Strong Kids program is that of Tyronda Bell, who has been struggling to get by ever since she lost her full-time job one year ago.

"Most of the things I'm scaling back on is clothing and, maybe, food," Bell said. "(I'm) trying to make sure we have a roof over our head and make sure my utility bill gets paid."

Bell knew Thanksgiving dinner would be a huge sacrifice, but it was one she was willing to make for her three kids.

On Tuesday, Bell was among 40 people picking up a free groceries so they can have a complete holiday dinner for their families.

"During the holidays, we'll help families in need at the school for Thanksgiving dinner, as well as for Christmas," said Melissa Wells of the YMCA.

Video:

YMCA Teams With Elementary School To Help Families

Teachers at the school identify the needy families to receive help from the YMCA.

Even though it is just one meal, the groceries means a lot to parents who'd otherwise could not provide a special meal for the holidays.

"We have unfortunately a family, who, she lost her husband through the summer and she's struggling and she told me that she was actually going to have to tell her kids it's either Thanksgiving dinner or electricity," Wells said.

For Bell, she is grateful for the unexpected, kind gesture.

"They're just happy that they're home with me and they can share Thanksgiving with me," Bell said.

Anyone that would like to donate or volunteer for the Strong Kids program can learn more through the First Coast YMCA's Web site.

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