Reported by Jason Wheeler
PALM COAST -- The day before Thanksgiving is no day of rest for hundreds of volunteers in Flagler County, who are getting ready to serve thousands of meals Wednesday.
Planning for the “Feed Flagler” even began just a month before, and got together in record time.
FEED FLAGLER LOCATIONS
First United Methodist Church
205 N. Pine St., Bunnell
3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Buddy Taylor Middle School
4500 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast
3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Every municipality in Flagler County, along with the Chamber of Commerce, School Board and a handful of civic organizations, have come together to help out their neighbors.
In just three weeks, organizers raised more than $11,000, and nearly 350 volunteers signed on to help. There was a waiting list -- not to get a meal, but to help serve them.
Flagler County Commissioner Milissa Holland also stopped by Tuesday. Feed Flagler was her idea, and she has provided much of the prodding to get things done so quickly.
“I think everyone really saw the need this year, in particular with the economic times,” Holland told News 13. “They just wanted to do something, so no questions asked, it came together really quickly, and we’re really proud of that.”
Chefs from Hammock Dunes Country Club started setting up a day early at Taylor Middle School, slicing up the turkeys and ham. They returned Wednesday morning to finish getting ready for the meals, both of which begin at 3 p.m.
“We’ve got 100 turkeys, 50 hams, 45 cases of corn and green beans, stuffing and mashed potatoes,” said Marc Ray, general manager of Hammock Dunes. “It’s absolutely a labor of love, though. I mean, it’s really nice.”
After Wednesday, Ray and his team will then feed 600 more meals back at the country club on Thanksgiving Day.
The meals are open to everyone, though the focus is, of course, on the many in the area who are hurting financially.
With Flagler County leading the state in unemployment for the last year, there is no shortage of folks in need of help this Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Extras
Dig into our Thanksgiving Page for Important Travel Information, plus holiday treats, special recipes and family fun to help plan your day of thanks.
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