A thousand more families in Pasco County will be gobbling turkey this year, thanks to Volunteer Way and its record donation year.
Preparation takes months, but feeding 1,000 people takes just a couple days. That's something many families, such as Liliana Negrone’s, are thankful for.
“We really appreciate everything Volunteer Way does for us," she said. “It’s a great help for all the families really in need. I mean, if it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t have a turkey.”
Many families are in similar situations. Volunteer Way says they’ve seen an increase in families in need over the past few years. Including working families like the Smiths.
"I'm financially struggling right now, trying to keep my head above water and it's hard,” Maria Smith said. “If it wasn't for this kind of place, I don't know what I would do this year."
But financial woes are not what these families are thinking about on this day. Instead, they share a common feeling.
"We're just blessed," Negrone said to her two small children. "We're blessed that we have a turkey this year, and that we're going to eat turkey, huh?"
"I'm just very blessed, I'm blessed to have my kids and my family so at least now we know we can eat," said Smith.
Because it’s not just about the food - it’s about where it will be shared.
Although Volunteer Way donations doubled from last year, it wants to remind people that the need is year around and that it is increasing.