FLORIDA CITY, Fla. – Kim Torres wasn’t alone on Thanksgiving Day. Volunteers determined to spread the spirit of giving and gratitude surrounded her on Thursday in Florida City.
Torres is the senior vice president of Branches, a non-profit agency of the South East District of the United Methodist Church founded in 1973.
“We will serve over 5000 meals today all across Miami-Dade County with over 1,000 volunteers,” Torres said.
The volunteers started to cook turkeys on Sunday. They also made mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, rolls, pumpkin pie, and gravy.
A group of volunteers filled trays with food and others packaged food into bags. Outside, there were dozens of drivers volunteering to deliver the food. There were also volunteers distributing the food.
Ismael Fernize, a volunteer, said it felt good to belong to the team.
“I think it’s a great thing! Obviously, my goal is to reach out to the community that I grew up in, so it’s always a blessing to be a part of it,” Fernize said. “Especially when you grow up here, it’s just a difference. You know, you feel like you’re doing something for the people.”
Torres said their mission goes on all year long.
“People are hungry all the time. so not just on Thanksgiving Day, but every day and that when we come together as a community, that’s when transformation happens.”