TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - You may have seen it driving around town or at an event.
While this Pink Heals pink fire-truck usually supports people battling cancer and other chronic illnesses.
This November, the focus is on the financial toll those illnesses can take, often forcing entire families to wonder where their next meal is coming from. Pink Heals is teaming up with America's Second Harvest of the Big Bend and WTXL ABC 27 for our 4th annual Turkey Drive.
This is the 1972 fire truck that for years responded to fires in Leon and Wakulla counties now turns heads around town as a moving memorial.
"I started a Pink Heals chapter here in Tallahassee and what we do is, we raise funds and keep 100 percent of those funds local to take care of families who are battling cancer and pretty much any type of terminal illness," said Sarah Cooksey, with the Pink Heals chapter in Tallahassee.
When it comes to donation drives, it's usually about filling up the inside of a truck, but in this case, it's about filling the outside of the truck, with signatures.
"Just knowing that she would be on the road and people could sign in memory or honor of their loved ones and support people in their community," said Cooksey.
And this November, this fire truck is turning its attention to helping families in need of a hot meal, by supporting America's Second Harvest of the Big Bend and the WTXL Turkey Drive.
"Because these types of illnesses bankrupt families and so what we want to do is support those families when they are going through times of need or trying to take care of their families," said Cooksey. "We want the last thing that they worry about to be their electric bill or their groceries or shoes for their kids' feet."
So as you make your way to this year's Turkey Drive on November 16, look for the big pink fire truck.
"I was there from 4 a.m. til 8 last year and the plan is to be out there this year as well," said Cooksey. "We'll be on site with Ariel, so if anyone has been affected by something terminal, in honor or memory of a loved one, feel free to come see me and you can sign the truck."
And our 4th annual WTXL Turkey Drive is just 8 days away. It's your chance to help feed the community this holiday season.
Things kick off Thursday, November 16th at Ponce de Leon Park. You can come by and drop off frozen turkeys, cash, and checks. We'll be live on air and online from 5 in the morning until 6:30 at night.
