Thanksgiving meals given to hundreds of families at FSCJ

Lutheran Social Services, Farm Share food bank team up for event

Lutheran Social Services teamed up with the Farm Share food bank to give out Thanksgiving meals to hundreds of families

Jacksonville, Fla. – Lutheran Social Services teamed up with the Farm Share food bank Saturday to give out Thanksgiving meals to hundreds of families at Florida State College of Jacksonville's Downtown campus. 

The event started at 9 a.m., with volunteers giving out turkeys along with stuffing, fresh fruits and vegetables to about 500 families.

Recommended Videos



“It’s not always about yourself -- it's about others,” former NFL player and volunteer Lavaraneus Coles said. “Anytime you can help such a great cause giving back to the community, and helping others out, it means the world not only to me, but to the community itself.”

For many families, rising costs on things like child care, housing and other bills make it tough just to put food on the table. More than $20,000 worth of donations that came in over the last few months made the event possible. For the families, waiting in line most of the morning is absolutely worth it, especially when you meet new people.

“It's just been a fun morning,” Denise Moore said about waiting in line. “I'm thankful for the food giveaway, but I'm thankful that I was able to meet Sharon. I have enjoyed her company for the past hour.”

Nearly a thousand families in Jacksonville will be able to have a Thanksgiving meal thanks to the event. However, for millions of Americans, that won’t happen this year.

“It’s a little bit of a wait, but it's worth it,” DeAnn Kaufman said. “If your family really needs it, then you don't mind standing there waiting.”

In all, about $20,000 worth of food is being given away.