Organization Delivers Food And Gifts To People With Illnesses
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- One Baltimore organization is bringing Christmas cheer to hundreds of families.
Tracey Leong explains how its volunteers joined with a generous community to make it all happen.
Moveable Feast delivers nutritious food to people with life threatening illnesses 365 days a year. But on Christmas, it's extra special because they also deliver gifts.
Volunteers loading up their cars for a holiday delivery.
"We believe that food is medicine. That's why we serve even on Christmas Day because anybody who's sick will take their medicine today. They also have to eat well in order to stay healthy," said Tom Bonderenko, executive director, Moveable Feast.
For 25 years, Moveable Feast has been providing meals for those suffering a severe illness. Bonderenko says the program keeps growing. This Christmas, they're serving more than 600 families.
"Today, it's especially important because on the holiday the only person that our clients might see is one of our volunteers. So not only do we bring them food and baked goods and gifts for today, but it's also our way of assuring them that you are not forgotten, you're not alone and, in fact, that you are loved," Bonderenko said.
Every year, people volunteer their time and cars to make sure those care packages arrive on time.
"I wanted to do something different this year, showing kids that it's not always about receiving gifts, it's about giving back as well," said Nicole Butler, volunteer.
Nicole Butler and Tyrone Noel added a new holiday tradition for their family.
"To bring some joy this time of year for some families less fortunate," Noel said.
Reminding everyone of the true meaning of Christmas, which is sometimes overlooked.
"It's been lost for a long time. I'm just trying to bring it back to my family," said Noel.
Every year, 4,000 families volunteer to help Moveable Feast and they say Christmas is their busiest time of year.
Moveable Feast serves people in Baltimore City and 14 Maryland counties.
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