SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— The annual Family-to-Family Christmas basket giveaway took place Thursday feeding thousands of families.
Thanks to Friends of the Poor and Family-to-Family, 4,000 families will get to enjoy a Christmas dinner.
By 9:00 a.m. Thursday, volunteers were busy handing out food baskets packed with hams, potatoes, and holiday cheer.
"The numbers have increased a lot. You know we used to only feed about 1,200 people at Christmas, and this year, we're prepared to feed 4,000 families, so the need has grown. You know, people are spread thin this time of year, and they're trying to give their family at least something," said Linda Robeson, Director of Family-to-Family.
The giveaway is more than just food. It's about helping your neighbors. Volunteers from all over have come to lend a hand, making sure no one is left out this Christmas.
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"We want to unite with the community and help out and be a light to this world," expressed Isaac Yurkanin, a volunteer.
"That person you know could be you at any point or somebody you know so I feel like it's good that we're here and trying to pitch in as much as we can," voiced volunteer Abraham Palma.
Recipients like Carol Rodriguez consider this event a beacon of hope and a place for community connection.
"I love Scranton. It's full of opportunity, promises, brother-sisterhood, everything just coming together into one, makes me very happy," commented Rodriguez.
This annual event not only fills plates during the holidays but also the hearts of everyone involved.
"It's a great feeling. We're really happy to be here. It's a lot of, you know, hustle and we're excited that we can just help someone," said volunteer Cecelia O'Malley.
"It makes me happy to see people happy, and that people provide and gather together in unity," added Rodriguez.
The event was supposed to run until 4:00 p.m. or while supplies last.
The last basket of food was picked up just a little bit before 2:00 p.m. Thursday afternoon.