Hunger and poverty is a sad reality for many families in the Tampa Bay area. Thousands of families are simply unable to put food on the table for their children.
With the holidays fast approaching, Metropolitan Ministries is providing a hand to those in need. Starting on Monday morning, people can sign up for help for the holidays.
The event helps a large number of families looking for help. Metropolitan Ministries expects to serve nearly 20,000 families in need during Thanksgiving and Christmas.
"This is for us to be able to offer what we all take for granted and offer a little bit of that hope and joy to those families," said Associate Director of Outreach, James Dunbar.
The reality is heartbreaking, right here in our community; 1 in 4 children live in households that cannot afford to put food on the table.
During holiday assistance registration that starts on Monday, families with children, as well as the elderly can sign up to ensure they're able to provide a warm and healthy meal to loved ones during the holidays.
Parents also have a chance to make sure they have a gift under the tree for their child. ABC Action News spoke with one client who says the program helps her provide a happy holiday for her two children.
"They have a program where you can sign up to get a Thanksgiving basket and also toys and things for your kids for the holidays. Which I think is a great thing especially for a parent like me being single," said parent Sarah Noonkester.
Metropolitan Ministries can also use donations to help in their mission as well. The organization is able to provide a complete holiday meal for under $2.00.
For information on how you can donate, click here.
If you need help, click here.
