FELLSMERE — With only six days to go before Operation Hope hands out free turkeys to needy families to make their Thanksgiving feast, only 150 turkeys stand by in the freezers. Last year, the organization had 800 turkeys to hand out.
“I believe in miracles and wonderful people,” said Operation Hope President Jesse Zermeno.
He has sent a mass e-mail asking for businesses and individuals in the community to donate turkeys or even chickens to help families put together their traditional Thanksgiving dinners.
“Response has been very low,” Zermeno said.
For the last 11 years, Operation Hope has opened its doors on the Sunday before Thanksgiving to help needy families with their holiday spread. In years past, Zermeno said they have had “lots, lots more” to give by this point.
The Sebastian River High School Baseball Team has committed to helping Operation Hope’s volunteers hand out boxes of food. The 30 players, too, have said they will each bring one turkey – adding to the 150-turkey total.
Along with seeking turkeys or chickens and funds to help buy more, Operation Hope will accept canned and boxed food items to also pass out on Sunday.
Anyone willing to help can call Operation Hope at (772) 571-0003 or stop by the facility at 12285 County Road 512.
