DAVIE, Fla. – Louise Gigliotti is a lead volunteer at Manna Share-A-Meal.
The nonprofit organization has helped people in need in South Florida for over three decades.
“I am so blessed to be able to keep this ministry going,” Gigliotti said.
Gigliotti’s health has declined in the last year, so she has delegated some responsibilities to her friends from church Jordan and Yamilet Marraley. Both assist about 50 families a week with food and the same level of compassion as their mentor.
“We usually have a lot of veterans. We have tons of single moms who come and get whatever they can to make it through the week,” Yamilet Marraley said.
The organization relies on the support of volunteers and it doesn’t receive any government grants or assistance.
“You can see these empty containers here,” Jordan Marraley said.
The organization needs to restock before demand goes up for Thanksgiving. The Local 10 News Day of Giving can make a difference. The nonprofit welcomes the public’s donations of non-perishable food starting at 6 a.m., on Friday, at the Publix, at 15729 Pines Boulevard, in Pembroke Pines.
“God willing you’ll see me there, and come give me a hug, and help me fill my pantry up again,” Gigliotti said.