This holiday season, people and organizations around the North Florida and South Georgia region are coming together to help families in need impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and the HIV/AIDS virus.
People Like Zoie White, a sophomore at Florida A&M who organized a toy drive at Nuberri Frozen Yogurt in Tallahassee.
"I wanted to do a toy drive for the Tallahassee and Big Bend area," said White. "I partnered with Big Bend Cares due to me knowing that they have a program that where they supply gifts to certain families."
The goal was to benefit families in the Big Bend area that have been affected by the HIV/AIDS virus.
"It's quite a strain on families who already had strains, like low income families, so parents are already struggling to do certain things like feed, pay bills, like the least people around Tallahassee could do, we could find something to do to help them," said White.
People can drop off toys, blankets, jackets and other items kids will need to get through this holiday season.
In Thomasville, the Salvation Army is holding their annual "Angel Tree" program where shoppers can pick a tag with a child's need on it and drop it off at the Salvation Army.
"Clearly COVID-19 has taken a hit on everybody, I don't care what economic status you fall into, what bracket, So we've seen a need for that assistance through gifts, so that need for us has been to adopt more angels," said Lieutenant Juan Reyes.
With over 1,000 tags already made of children in need, Lieutenant Juan Reyes said this year more than ever families are going to need our help.
"People are doing out of the goodness of their heart, we're just orchestrating it," said Lieutenant Reyes.
In a statement, Big Bend Cares told ABC 27, "Big Bend Cares is so thankful for those in our community, including Zoie White, who are unselfishly helping local children have a magical holiday season."
