South Florida Homeless Get An Extra Layer Of Kindness
Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) -- As the homeless gathered Wednesday for a meal on Fort Lauderdale Beach they got an extra layer of kindness.
People from churches, like St. Bonaventure in Davie and the community at large dropped off sweaters and sweatshirts, gloves and shoes to help the homeless be more comfortable on what's expected to be a couple of chilly nights.
"They're a godsend for us," said Kevin, a homeless man. "A lot of us don't have nothing. We depend on this. Without these people caring, we'd be in trouble."
Click here to watch Carey Codd's report.
A short time after sifting through bags and boxes of clothes, the homeless gathered together for a meal provided by 90-year-old Arnold Abbott. Abbott prepared his weekly feeding for his organization Love Thy Neighbor. Despite the homeless feeding controversy gripping Fort Lauderdale, Abbot said on this holiday he's focused on helping those who need it most.
"It's always wonderful to be able to celebrate a holiday and it's our feeling that this will go on as long as there's breath in my body and way beyond," Abbott said.
In Oakland Park, Gracepoint Church opened its' doors to the community for its' annual Thanksgiving feast. They welcomed a broad section of the community -- some who simply wanted to enjoy camaraderie and fellowship and others, who were in desperate need of a hot meal.
"There are certainly some people here that are experiencing a Thanksgiving dinner that they might not be able to have tomorrow," said Robert Pinera, Associate Pastor. "So that's one of the joys of this event is being able to provide a free dinner for people that might not be able to afford it on their own."
And as the temperatures dipped and those on the streets looked for a place to lay their head as Thanksgiving approached, they were grateful for small blessings and the large hearts of others.
"Look at this shirt I got -- a flannel shirt, a sweater," said Jay Thomas. "They didn't want me to be cold. They didn't want anybody to be cold. They brought us hygiene stuff so we can keep ourselves clean. There's a lot of people that care."
RELATED CONTENT:
