“We are thankful to the Palm Beach community for helping us collect so much food to distribute to families in need,” said outgoing board Chairman Mary Freitas. “During the summer, many children aren’t receiving meals from school and there are fewer donations to pantries, so the food drive items we received will certainly help our partners fill the gaps.”
Boca Helping Hands and CROS Ministries will split the food and monetary donations. Staff from the agencies collected the food from Palm Beach’s central fire station on April 20.
“We are so grateful for our partners at the Town of Palm Beach United Way for organizing the recent food drive, and for the generosity of all the members of the Palm Beach community who participated,” said Greg Hazle, executive director of Boca Helping Hands. “These donations will make a big difference to so many of our clients throughout Palm Beach County.”
Boca Helping Hands provides food, medical and financial assistance, as well as education, job training and guidance to help individuals and families become self-sufficient.
“Your donations will go a long way in helping us serve our hungry neighbors not just today or tomorrow, but throughout the summer when our clients often need our assistance the most," said Ruth Mageria, executive director of CROS Ministries.
CROS Ministries operates seven community food pantries throughout Palm Beach County, a hot meal kitchen, and a gleaning program that recovers produce from local farms.
The Flagler Museum, Palm Beach Daily News and Palm Beach Fire Rescue partnered with the United Way in putting on the drive.
Palm Beach Fire Rescue stations served as drop-off locations for food items, while the Flagler Museum hosted a drive-thru collection on April 9.
“Town of Palm Beach Fire Rescue is honored to be part of such a great cause,” said Assistant Chief Sean Baker. “Our team enjoys seeing the fire station lobbies fill with food that we know will be donated to families in need. We thank the Palm Beach community for being so generous again this year.”
