INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — More than 100 homeless will receive a traditional Thanksgiving feast Thursday at The Source – and a goodie bag of personal hygiene items.
The support from the community around the holidays has always been strong around the holiday season – both in terms of food donations and volunteering. But the support is needed all year long. “Let the holiday cheer last all year,” Executive Director Sonya Morrison said.
Every year, The Source receives numerous requests from volunteers, seeking the opportunity to help.
“We need them all year-long,” Morrison said, not just at the holidays.
Just a couple days before Thanksgiving, frozen turkeys were arriving and volunteers were packing up hygiene kits that will be handed out on Thursday.
“It comes out of nowhere,” said staff member Mike Catapano of the donations, especially the turkeys.
A “shipment” of 15 turkeys arrived courtesy of MacWilliam Realty.
“We’re surrounded by angels,” Catapano said.
Volunteer George Brown agreed.
“It’s great,” he said of the support the organization receives. “The church groups have been real good.”
Linda McKee, a volunteer at The Source, will be on hand Thanksgiving to help serve the diners. She said it’s just like being at a regular family Thanksgiving “except this is a big family.”
Recovery Director Bob “Brother Shoupy” Shoup said that there is nothing better than coming to The Source on Thanksgiving and then heading home for his own family’s celebration.
“I always feel real good,” he said.
While donations are up this time of year, staff member Julie Kosharek said they always have needs. Right now, The Source is looking for small jeans, socks, underwear, bras, tennis shoes, sweaters, winter jackets and coats, deodorant, flashlights, batteries, blankets, sleeping bags and tents.
“We can always use donations,” she said, even of food, which can be tucked into food boxes and given to the needy.
“There is definitely always a need,” Kosharek said.
To find out how you can help The Source, call ( 772) 564-0202, head to 1015 Commerce Ave., Vero Beach, or visit www.IAmTheSource.org.