Jacksonville nonprofit helps over 100 families with food and gift cards for the Thanksgiving holiday

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Local families are getting some extra help right before the Thanksgiving holiday.

Action News Jax Alicia Tarancon spent the morning at a food distribution with Jewish Family and Community Services.

She spoke with families impacted by the pandemic who tell her they’re thankful for all the generosity of the nonprofits.

The nonprofit helped around 100 families Tuesday.

All families have to do is pick up a number when they come here. Once they have a number they register at the tent and once they’re done with that they pick up their food for their holiday meal.

Jewish Family and Community Services spent Tuesday morning helping families in our area who are in need.

“They’re giving out gift cards and a Thanksgiving basket. I said, oh wow I want to be a part of that,” Voncy Jones said.

Jones woke up extra early to get her place in line.

“I got here approximately 8:30 a.m. And I see there’s a lot of people,” Jones said.

Dozens of others came out to get their holiday meals and gift cards from the Max Block food pantry.

The nonprofit says since the start of the pandemic they’ve seen the need for food go up in the community.

“So with COVID-19 we have seen a 50% increase in the need for the food pantry so we have been utilizing all of our resources in the community. We had donations of financial compensation, we’ve had food donations,” Cameo Maat, JFCS’s food pantry coordinator said.

Loretta Grant and her husband packed up their car with Thanksgiving day staples like green beans, potatoes and rolls.

The family told us they were grateful for the help from the volunteers and staff at Jewish Family and Community Services.

“Every little bit helps, every little bit helps,” Grant said.

And others told me they agree.

“Oh yes! we’re going to have a good Thanksgiving. Yes ma’am,” Jones said.

If you couldn’t make it out Tuesday morning, the nonprofit is having another food distribution Wednesday starting at 9 a.m. It’s at 6261 Dupont Station Court East.

The organization recommends getting out early to get your place in line. It’s first come, first served.

Cox Media Group