This holiday season held a special significance for us at United Way of Palm Beach, as it marked the inaugural year of our Season of Hope in collaboration with WPTV Channel 5 News and local partners such as Seacoast Bank and Good Greek Moving & Storage. This community-wide initiative stands as a beacon of joy and optimism for families across Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast. Our Season of Hope food and toy drive, which ran from November 6th to December 15th, aimed to alleviate the burdens faced by families during the holidays. For families grappling with the challenges of providing both nutritious food and gifts for their families, the Season of Hope serves as a meaningful way to bridge the gap.
For over three decades, United Way of Palm Beach County joined hands with WPTV Channel 5 News every holiday season for Bill Brooks’ Food For Families, in honor of the former WPTV Vice President and General Manager, Bill Brooks. This food drive and fundraiser aimed to assist our neighbors in need during the Thanksgiving holiday. The escalating cost of food has intensified the struggles of families and ALICE households trying to make ends meet, particularly during the holidays. Season of Hope has provided us with a unique opportunity to spread joy across Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast, ensuring that every corner of our community is touched by the warmth of the holidays with access to food and toys.
To demonstrate just how much of an impact individuals can make for residents in need by contributing to Season of Hope, we shined a light on families served by some of United Way of Palm Beach County’s funded agencies. The funds, food, and toys collected through Season of Hope gave agencies like these the power to bring holiday joy and hope to families who may have otherwise had no other options.
Among the highlighted agencies was the Farmworker Coordinating Council of Palm Beach County, whose weekly food distribution benefits over 150 Belle Glade residents. This initiative provides essential items such as free produce, meat, canned goods, dry goods, and even toiletries. The holiday staples donated to Season of Hope enabled local families served by agencies like the Farmworker Coordinating Council to share warm, healthy meals together during the festive season. Witness their inspiring story by clicking here!
Another exceptional agency featured during Season of Hope was Clinics Can Help. With a legacy spanning over 18 years, Clinics Can Help has been instrumental in distributing recycled medical equipment and supplies to children and adults in need. The thousands of toys collected through Season of Hope ensure that children served by agencies like Clinics Can Help wake up to the joy of holiday gifts. Discover more about Clinics Can Help by clicking here!
The toys we so proudly collected through Season of Hope also made a positive impact on children and teens supported by agencies like Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches. This organization provides housing and supportive services to our community’s most vulnerable families, empowering them to achieve stability and self-sufficiency. Learn how Adopt-A-Family is making a difference for families in need by clicking here!
In addition to illuminating the impact Season of Hope has on families, we highlighted how donated food and monetary contributions can enhance the lives of children in our community during the holiday season. In Palm Beach County, 37,350 children face daily food insecurity. Over half of the students enrolled in The School District of Palm Beach County qualify for free and reduced lunch. Many of these children rely on the Weekend Backpack Program provided by the Palm Beach County Food Bank for their meals and nutritional needs over the weekend. Watch our inspiring School District of Palm Beach County story by clicking here!
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