ORLANDO, Fla. – Instead of a stadium full of soccer fans, the Inter & Co Stadium was packed with food and people seeking assistance.
The 10th annual Orlando City and Orlando Pride Turkey Giveaway drew thousands who received ingredients they might not otherwise afford.
“These are families that are struggling each and every day to provide even the basic needs,” said President and CEO of Heart of Florida United Way Jeff Hayward.
Publix provided 1,000 turkeys and side items to complete a family meal for residents of the City of Orlando District 5 for their holiday celebrations. Additional donated items were provided by Pepsi, Frito-Lay, Once Upon a Coconut, Spice World and Takis.
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“Things have been hard,” Commissioner Shan Rose of Orlando’s District 5 shared. “This is probably my fifth [food giveaway], and I’ve got a couple more. I’ve heard families coming out at 4 o’clock in the morning to stand in line, so the need is here, and I’m just grateful to serve.”
Families received everything needed for a Thanksgiving meal, including a roasting pan to cook their turkey in.
“Then they’re getting all the vegetables and stuffing and mashed potatoes and everything that goes with a typical Thanksgiving meal. We’re also having culturally appropriate meals, we put rice in the box, not everybody likes potatoes, and we also provide gift cards. If you don’t like turkey, you can buy your own protein,” Hayward explained.
For Orlando’s soccer teams, the event is a meaningful way to give back to their community.
[WATCH: Orange County Sheriff’s Office gives out turkeys for Thanksgiving]
“As you can see from the amount of volunteers we have, our staff look forward to this every year. It’s one of the best events that we do,” said Jarrod Dillon, president of Business Operations for Orlando City.
Recipients of the meals expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have a Thanksgiving meal with loved ones, thanks to this event.
“There are no words to describe it, just the sharing, the joy, being with family, being with friends,” one participant said.
If you were unable to make it, you can call 211 to connect with the Heart of Florida United Way to get resources for food.
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