JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- November has snuck up on us and, before we know it, Thanksgiving will be here. There are thousands of people that go without a big turkey dinner each year, but the community is coming together to make sure that doesn't happen.
Since 1946, the nonprofit organization City Rescue Mission has provided help to the homeless and needy across northeast Florida. For years, they've been collecting turkeys before Thanksgiving to feed hundreds, even thousands, so no one has to celebrate without a full stomach.
8 years ago, CRM's turkey donation drive caught the eye of a local business, Rekonekt Riverside. The two have teamed up ever since to raise turkeys and help feed our neighbors in need.
"1,300 people on our streets have nothing to eat during this time of year," said Chris Cantillo with Rekonekt Riverside. "Thanksgiving is all about sitting at a table with family and friends."
"It's really cool to see the community come together," added Sineth Chet, who works with Cantillo.
The men are hoping to donate at least 220 turkeys to CRM by November 15. They've reached out to their followers via social media and the community has been stepping up to help.
"Feeding families, especially ones that can't afford it and not by choice, is great, "commented donor Teezie Tha Gawd. "This world is full circle, so anything you do it definitely comes back to you."
"If people want to drop off money, we'll purchase the turkey for them," added Cantillo. "If they drop off a turkey, we're going to donate the turkey to City Rescue Mission."
To help this cause, stop by Rekonekt Riverside at 929 McDuff Avenue South #104 in Jacksonville. They are open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Cantillo also adds that people who drop off a turkey will receive a tempered glass screen protector for their phone free of charge.
