PINELLAS PARK, Fla. — Thanksgiving is nearly here, and in celebration of the upcoming holiday, Pinellas Park is giving back through its 3rd annual Thanksgiving Giveback.
What You Need To Know
Pinellas Park hosted its third annual Thanksgiving Giveback
The event included a free community meal and to-go bags with supplies
Organizers say this year’s efforts take on a bit more meaning with the recent government shutdown
Dozens met at the Broderick Community Center for a free community meal, but without volunteers like Newton Tren, the event could not be the success it is.
“I support Pinellas Park (as a) city, so whatever they have … I come up to do it,” she said.
Community center Project Manager Richard Rock said the idea for the giveback began three years ago.
Growing each year, he’s thrilled the community can sit down and have a meal as a city.
“Families can sit down, have a meal on us, and then at the end of it, we do a pay-it-forward event where we have food items that they can either take for themselves or pay it forward to somebody else,” he said.
Rock said this year’s efforts take on a bit more meaning with the recent government shutdown.
Despite the shutdown’s end ending, he said it’s put a lot more stress on families than in past years.
That’s why he’s happy they provide a to-go bag with supplies people may need.
With 150 bags available for everyone to take home for themselves or for someone in need, Rock said they’re supporting the community on all fronts.
He added that some were expected to be left over and encourages anyone in need of extra supplies to stop by the community center.