This Thanksgiving, Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry (BEAM) and St. Vincent de Paul are uniting to make a difference for families living paycheck-to-paycheck by providing Thanksgiving baskets filled with essentials for a holiday meal. Last year, more than 700 baskets were distributed, and this year, BEAM aims to collect 800 by Nov. 20.
With food prices rising sharply across Florida, more families are struggling to put nutritious meals on the table. Many are forced to rely on less healthy, cheaper options, leading to increased health issues such as high blood pressure and diabetes. These challenges make the need for community support greater than ever.
“As you help a family in need this Thanksgiving, you're doing more than providing a meal,” said Jeff Winkler, Executive Director of BEAM. “You're giving hope, connection and the chance for families to create their own moments of joy and togetherness during tough times. It’s an opportunity for all of us to reflect on our own blessings and extend kindness to those who need it most.”
BEAM and St. Vincent de Paul are calling on the community to donate nonperishable food items or sponsor a Thanksgiving basket through BEAM’s website, jaxbeam.org/thanksgiving. Each basket includes essential items like instant mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, canned vegetables, stuffing, cranberry sauce and a $20 grocery store gift card so families can choose their preferred main course, such as turkey or ham.
You can make a lasting impact by dropping off baskets at St. Paul’s Father Murphy Hall on Nov. 18-20 or by sponsoring a basket online at jaxbeam.org/thanksgiving. Families within BEAM’s service area can sign up at jaxbeam.org/thanksgiving to receive a basket and pick up their meals on Nov. 21, 22, 23 or 25 at Father Murphy Hall in Jacksonville Beach.
