Food bank packages, hands out Christmas meals to families in need

OCOEE, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - The Southeastern Food Bank fed more than 1,200 families-in-need this Christmas through its Food for Families Program.

Dozens of volunteers spent Christmas Eve sorting and packing more than 2,000 food boxes that included canned and baked goods.

Nyree Waters and her family have volunteered for the last few years. 

“We come out here just to be able to give back to our community for those who are not as fortunate as us. Just to help feed them at a time that’s supposed to be a happy time,” Waters said.

“For me, it’s instant gratification, just giving them the food,” said Amanda Kraus, who is a junior at Dr. Phillips High School. 

Every year for about the last decade she has volunteered with her family. 

“I think they’re just so thankful because it only goes out to areas that need it the most, so it’s great to see just the people who need it to get what they need.”

“It makes you feel good that people are thinking about us and not themselves on a special day,” said Michele Jennings, who is disabled and has received a food box through the program for the last five years.

Southeastern Food Bank worked with Publix Supermarkets and area food drives to provide the food for this year’s giveaway.

Southeastern Food Bank has been feeding the hungry for more than 26 years and hands out food every Thanksgiving and Christmas.