In the wake of Hurricane Milton, numerous families in East Tampa found themselves struggling without basic necessities such as electricity and water. To address this dire situation, the NAACP, Red Cross, and Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church have come together to provide essential support.
Yvette Lewis, president of the NAACP Hillsborough County branch, emphasized the organization’s commitment to providing hot meals to those in need. ‘There’s no limit. So, if a family comes up and says they need eight plates, we give them eight plates,’ she stated. This effort saw families queuing for meals on Friday evening, many of whom had lost all perishable food due to prolonged power outages.
Jerome James, a resident affected by the hurricane, recounted the challenges faced by the community, stating, ‘People lost water too. People didn’t have water. Some people’s houses got completely wiped out.’ The meals provided, which included baked chicken, rice, and carrots, have been well-received, with many expressing gratitude for the much-needed support.
Beyond meals, the organizations distributed essential items such as lotion, baby products, formula, and personal hygiene items. Lewis described the joy of witnessing children enjoying their meals, stating, ‘The food is so good and it smells so good, and, so, you should’ve seen those kids’ faces when they were walking home and just eating.’
Residents like James Howell highlighted the community spirit in these efforts, acknowledging the importance of mutual aid during such trying times. ‘Like tomorrow, we’re going across town to Pinellas County to go get food to pass out to everybody, too. So, not only are they helping us; tomorrow we’re helping somebody else. So, it’s all a blessing from God,’ Howell shared.
The initiative continues with further plans to distribute meals and supplies. Lewis confirmed that efforts will persist at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church starting at noon on Saturday, ensuring that aid reaches those most in need.
The collaboration between the NAACP, Red Cross, and Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church underscores the power of community solidarity following disaster events. By providing hot meals and essential supplies, these organizations offer crucial relief, supporting the resilience and unity of East Tampa’s residents.
Source: ABC Action News
