Right now, a huge operation is in effect to help feed tens of thousands of families across South Florida.
Big Heart Brigade is putting on their 26th annual operation of preparing thanksgiving meals for those in need this week.
Around 50,000 meals are being made. That equals out to 1,800 turkeys and 23,000 pounds of green beans.
Hundreds of turkeys are being smoked and prepared every day until Thanksgiving. Volunteers started setting up late last week and plan to finish cooking all of the food, boxing it up and having it ready to be shipped by Wednesday night.
It’s all made possible thanks to 5,000 volunteers, 3,500 of which are working in a space provided by the Palm Beach Gardens fire department.
Meals and volunteers are also prepping to serve families in a special sit down meal on Thursday. A pilot for the program was tested last year and was such a success they decided to bring it back this year.
The goal is help families feel a bit of normalcy and love this Thanksgiving.
“And that's exactly what we’re looking for -- is normalcy and be able to share with them why we do this. and to minister to them and give that feeling instead of just getting a meal. And now we’re getting them to have a family kind of big event," said Chuck Dettman, secretary of the board for Big Heart Brigade.
Also on Monday, volunteers also boxed up 3,500 meals which they are now driving up north to feed families in the Florida panhandle still struggling from Hurricane Michael.
