TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Local organizations prepared for an increased need this Thanksgiving by preparing a combined total of nearly 1,000 free meals.
The Less Fortunate Still Matter Foundation is living up to its name, even during the pandemic. Led by Timothy Mosely, their volunteers showed up to Carter Howell Strong Park, packing to-go plates with turkey, sides, pies, and much more.
Mosely says he made it his mission more than 15 years ago to help the less fortunate any way he could.
"With the coronavirus pandemic this year, the difference I've seen is the people are more in a dire need," said Mosely. "It's more calling of a help moment right now, and what we try to do is just get the food out to the people, seven days a week. Whenever they call, we go running."
Those on the receiving end of his work, like meal recipient Bernard Biggs, said it's a godsend.
"I get food all the time, you know, and it's a blessing, that we've got places and angels around like these people to serve us," he said.
And, while The Less Fortunate Foundation prepared to serve as many as 800 meals, volunteers with the Salvation Army simultaneously prepped for 600.
Salvation Army Captain Stephen Wilder said, "This is so important to the people in the community of Tallahassee, it gives them a free meal, it gives them a chance to meet other people here in Tallahassee, make new friends."
He also said it's an important opportunity to create new bonds within the community.
"It is a tough time for all of us, and it's a time for us to come together and share what we're thankful for this year," said Wilder.
Guests like Polly Austin welcome the meal, and also fancy the fellowship.
She said, "It's really good for me because I don't get to be around a lot of people or my family the way the situation is set up. I'm a homeless member."
Other community members like Scott Flowers see the help these organizations work hard to extend and are happy to lend a helping hand.
The second-year sponsor said, "It just means so much to be able to support a friend and a hardworking guy like Tim Mosely that's out in the community so much, and then the stuff he does within the community with Thanksgiving and Christmas and all throughout the year."
Both Salvation Armyand The Less Fortunate Still Matter accept donations year-round.
