TAMPA, Fla. — Inside Tampa’s American Legion Post 5, the bags are ready and so are the volunteers. Operation Homefront is serving up holiday meals for 50 military families.
“We are accomplishing two things. We are making memories. And giving them something good to eat," said Operation Homefront's Beth McGregor.
The Yates family is here with two of their five kids.
“I’ve been to the Operation Homefront baby shower, and now the Operation Homefront holiday meal. And it just helps during the holiday time with all the kids and everything going on," said Samantha Yates, who's husband is in the Army.
The program is first come, first serve for those who register online.
The baskets have all the non-perishable food items families will need.
“Everything from potatoes, corn, all the stuff you’ll need to make your green bean casserole. It’s all together in there right down to the dessert," said McGregor.
They also get gift cards too, to buy that turkey or ham.
The Holiday Meals for Military program started about 10 years ago when a supermarket employee in New York helped a soldier and his family with $12 to pay for groceries.
Now nationwide, 7,000 families benefit.
“There’s definitely a need here in Tampa and we are always looking to grow," said McGregor.
