Palm Beach Harvest, a nonprofit led by CEO Deborah Morgan, hosted its 22nd Annual Friends Feeding Friends Thanksgiving Food Drive from November 22-24 at Sprouts Farmers Market in West Palm Beach. The event, supported by New Country 103.1 radio station and Hicks & Motto, aimed to collect food and monetary donations for families in need.
Deborah Morgan, who started with Palm Beach Harvest as a food transporter before becoming its executive director, shared her vision for the event.
“To collect and distribute over 35 thousand pounds of food and 35 thousand dollars,” she said.
Store Manager Nancy Garcia-Tieman shared her passion for the cause.
“I like helping the community that I live in,” she said, expressing her hopes to exceed last year’s totals.
The event also featured live broadcasts by Tim Leary and Chelsea Taylor of New Country 103.1, who helped spread awareness.
“All this food is needed right here locally,” Taylor explained. “It makes a huge impact, and our listeners love supporting Palm Beach Harvest.”
“This is one of our favorite events of the year,” added Leary. “The need this year is greater than ever, and we’re hoping to surpass 30 thousand pounds of food and 15 thousand dollars raised.”
Volunteers worked in shifts to unload vehicles, sort food donations, and pack boxes for transport. Each three-hour shift allowed them to help directly, while those unable to volunteer were encouraged to donate perishable food items.
Since its founding in 1998, Palm Beach Harvest has collected over 89 million pounds of food, assisting 5 million people in the community.
“This event highlights the strength and generosity of our local community,” Morgan said.
Volunteers left with goodie bags and a sense of pride, knowing their efforts would help ensure families in need have food this Thanksgiving season.
