From left to right: Volunteers Daniel Boling, Stan Boling and Angela Boling help fill trays with meals during the 7th Annual Big Bird Blessing on Thanksgiving Day in Indian River County. PHOTO BY NICK SAMUEL

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A day of serving others, reuniting with family members, friends and colleagues while passing on the spirit of giving culminated on the grounds of the Gifford Historical Museum and Cultural Center on Thursday. Partnerships between agencies and nonprofits allowed residents to get free Thanksgiving meals, along with canned goods, during the 7th Annual Big Bird Blessing.

Community Activist Michael Marsh and volunteers help prepare Thanksgiving meals at the kitchen at the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office. PHOTO PROVIDED BY MICHAEL MARSH

“Too often we forget about people who are in need,” said 41-year-old Michael Marsh, a Vero Beach resident and founder of the nonprofit Team Success Enterprises, a group created in August 2018 that focuses on a mission to end hunger and eradicate homelessness in the community. “Many people would not have had a meal. Doing this the week of Thanksgiving and on Thanksgiving Day was so much more pivotal.”

Marsh is a firm believer in being of service during the holiday season. Marsh said volunteering makes the special season of giving and gratitude even more meaningful.

Team Success Enterprises partnered with the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council, First Methodist Church of Vero Beach and the Gifford Museum to pass out more than 2,000 Thanksgiving dinners this week. The hot trays included turkey with gravy, stuffing, sweet potatoes and green beans.

The Big Bird Blessing event began on Monday. Volunteers prepared the food items using the kitchen at the sheriff’s office.

Families were able to pick up meals and canned goods at The Community Church of Vero Beach, Marsh said. On Tuesday, Team Success delivered meals to a number of different churches.

Wednesday, The Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council passed out the meals to residents in need, Marsh said. First Methodist Church brought Thanksgiving trays to homeless camps in the county.

On Thursday, Thanksgiving morning, Team Success – along with Sheriff Eric Flowers and a team of deputies – delivered freshly cooked meals to agencies that provide shelter to residents battling homelessness, domestic violence or other matters. Those organizations include the Samaritan Center, Hope for Families Center Inc., Hibiscus Children’s Village, and the SafeSpace locations in Indian River and Martin counties.

Team Success made their last stop at the Gifford Museum, where hundreds of people including volunteers and those coming to get a plate, had gathered. Marsh said volunteers gave away more than 500 plates at the event.

Sheriff’s Deputy Darrell Rivers, who handed out canned goods, said it’s always better to give than receive.

“I believe your blessings come back two-fold by giving. It’s always better to give than receive,” said Rivers, who retired as a Vero Beach police officer before joining the sheriff’s office. “There’s a lot of people less fortunate than myself. It’s important to give back to the community. I’ve been doing these meal giveaways with Team Success for the past five years.”

Volunteers Angela Boling, 63, her husband Stan Boling, 64, both of Vero Beach, and their son Daniel Boling, 30, helped prepare plates for those coming to get a meal. Angela Boling said she has always wanted to help others on Thanksgiving.

“I decided I’m going to do this no matter what anyone else does,” Angela Boling said. “It was a joy to serve others.”

Stan Boling said volunteering on Thanksgiving allows him to have an extended family of community members.

“I come out and help people who I don’t even know. We’re all connected in different ways,” Stan Boling said. “I wish I had been doing this earlier in life, but I’m happy I’m doing it right now.”

Marsh thanked all of the agencies, organizations, volunteers and donors for their efforts to make the event a success.

Team Success’ next community event will be “A Caring Christmas Cause,” where children can fill out a wish list. Marsh will dress up as Santa Claus and deliver bicycles, Christmas trees, toys, and other items to residents in need on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day.