TAMPA, Fla. — A local family will spend Christmas in a park handing out blankets, socks, gloves, personal items and clothes to folks in need.
They’re home is decorated with boxes stuffed full of donations instead of lights.
"I think the reward is for me! I think that’s my Christmas present,” said Liza Minelli Pacheco, describing how rewarding the experience is.
She says they won’t be exchanging gifts this year, instead devoting their funds to the cause.
She and her family are spending Christmas Eve sorting through the donations before they bring them to Macfarlane Park Tuesday around 2 p.m.
"It means a lot to them trust me for them to know that you care it means a lot,” she said.
Donations have come from folks all over the community. She says Brandon Meat Market and La Teresita Bakery even donated chicken, pork, ham, rice and dessert to feed people who may not get a warm meal otherwise.
"We need to let them know that they are not alone, especially now with the holidays we want people to find time to sit with them, talk with them. I do it every day,” she said.
She says many of these people have fallen on hard times and could use a little conversation. She hopes folks who want to give back will stop by too.
"The best thing you can give a person is time that will stay with them forever. It’s the best inheritance you can give your family or anybody,” she said.
They're still accepting donations at the park if you'd like to drop off blankets or other warm items.
