Members of the Hollywood community got together on Good Friday to serve a Thanksgiving-style lunch to close to 500 struggling families and individuals at the Broward Outreach Center.
The annual event, known as Thanksgiving on Good Friday, included a traditional Thanksgiving meal of turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and other items. All the children received Easter baskets. But beyond the food, participants enjoyed a variety of services as well as live entertainment. Shoes and clothing were available for those who needed them, as well as haircuts and footcare, compliments of a group of Podiatry students from the Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine.
“We served about 400 to 500 men, women and children and we had about 100 volunteers,” said Lynnette Vaughn, volunteer event coordinator for the Broward Outreach Center. “We are here to help the homeless people in our community get back on their feet.”
“This is awesome,” said Lindsey Litton, who volunteered with her father, John. “It’s good karma,” she added.
Stella Lezcano volunteered, and brought her son James. “I love to serve others and I want my son to learn the importance of helping people in need,” she said.
Brandon Kitchens, a Barry podiatry student, believes that it’s important to care for the health of the foot. “We are about helping people in the community and this is a great way to do it,” he said.