ORLANDO, Fla. – As the holiday season kicks off, organizations across Central Florida are stepping up to give back.
Several organizations stepped up to feed those in need this Thanksgiving. The Salvation Army of Orlando partnered with Valencia College to provide meals to thousands of families in need, serving a traditional Thanksgiving feast to over 8,500 individuals and ensuring no one went hungry during this special time of year, while the Orlando Magic hosted their annual Thanksgiving Breakfast for the 32nd year in a row.
The collaboration between the Salvation Army and Valencia College brought together volunteers from the college, including faculty and students, to prepare and distribute the meals. The event featured all the Thanksgiving classics, from turkey to pumpkin pie, and also included care packages with non-perishable food and hygiene products for families to take home.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of Valencia College,” said Major Ken Chapman, director of the Salvation Army’s Orlando branch. “Their dedication and hard work made it possible to serve so many people in need this Thanksgiving.”
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Adding to the season’s spirit of giving, the Orlando Magic continued their long-standing tradition of supporting the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida. For the 32nd year, the Magic — led by head coach Jamahl Mosley — sponsored a Thanksgiving breakfast for the Coalition’s residents and unsheltered homeless individuals from the community. The event took place on Thanksgiving morning at the Coalition for the Homeless, located at 18 N. Terry Avenue in Orlando.
Coach Mosley, alongside Magic Vice President of Shareholder Engagement Ryan DeVos, Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman, Magic President of Business Operations Charlie Freeman and a team of Magic volunteers, served breakfast to more than 400 residents and over 100 unsheltered individuals.
“It’s a privilege to come together and give thanks by serving those in need,” Coach Mosley said. “This tradition is about more than just a meal; it’s about showing kindness and support to our neighbors, showing them that they are not alone.”
Both the Salvation Army’s Thanksgiving initiative and the Magic’s breakfast not only provided meals but also created moments of connection and hope for Central Florida’s most vulnerable populations.
For those interested in contributing to these causes, both the Salvation Army and the Orlando Magic encourage donations and volunteering opportunities to continue spreading holiday cheer throughout the season.
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