Following storm impacts, increasing needs All Faiths Food Bank needs donations

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - After back-to-back hurricanes devastated the region – displacing families and leaving many in need of emergency assistance – All Faiths Food Bank is facing growing demand, coupled with a steep decline in donations.

All Faiths Food Bank is also dealing with the cancellation of one of its major fundraising events and they need help ahead of Thanksgiving.

The organization is urgently seeking donations to help with the purchase of turkey dinners and holiday meals as part of its annual ThankFULL Tummies and Hearts campaign.

In addition to nearly 700 monthly food distributions throughout the year, All Faiths Food Bank has worked to provide food for people in need during the holiday season since 1989. This year, the organization set a goal of sharing more than 13,000 turkeys and 3.6 million holiday meals, but the recent hurricanes have put those numbers at risk.Due to the impacts of Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton, the primary fundraiser supporting the ThankFULL campaign, “Friends FULL of Giving” – originally set to take place Nov. 15 – has been canceled, leaving the organization down nearly $150,000 in special funding for holiday turkeys and sides. Without those monetary gifts, neighbors who have already lost so much may now be faced with empty plates this holiday season.

If you would like to help make up the difference, as well as make a difference in the lives of Suncoast families, you can donate to the ThankFull Campaign.

Turkey distributions for Sarasota residents will be held at the following locations and times: 

Booker Middle School (2250 Myrtle St., Sarasota) on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 9 a.m

Ed Smith Stadium (2700 12th St., Sarasota) on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 4 p.m.

All distributions are first-come, first-served and while supplies last.Through Thanksgiving, additional turkey distributions will take place at several of AFFB’s mobile pantry sites as well as through numerous partner agency locations – including closed sites, such as school pantries and youth-serving nonprofits.

Proof of Sarasota or DeSoto County residency is required. For more information about turkey distributions, visit the “Food Finder” page at allfaithsfoodbank.org.

To donate to the ThankFULL Tummies and Hearts campaign or find food near you, visit allfaithsfoodbank.org