SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - As the pandemic continues through the holidays, South Florida residents are desperate for some help.
Advisor and daughter to President Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump, visited and helped to hand out food at a drive-thru food distribution event in Southwest Miami-Dade, Tuesday morning.
“Merry Christmas!” she said as she loaded a box of food into a recipient’s trunk.
The event was held in the parking lot of the King Jesus Ministry located at 14100 SW 144th Ave.
Several cars could be seen in line ahead of the start time.
One woman in the line said she was waiting for the food since 8 p.m., Monday.
“We came at 8 o’clock in the night. We sleep in the car,” said Karla Fuentes. “In front of me, 10 more cars. Ten more people.”
Several partners made the event happen, including the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farmers for Families Program, which buys several boxes of produce, dairy and meats from struggling farmers to distribute.
“Anything, you name, we have it,” said Food Pantry Director Cassandra Sheppard. “It’s a blessing. We even have diapers, so people are able to come and receive a lot of the things that they need in their families.”
Which is a huge help for so many who are struggling during these unprecedented times.
“I lost my job during the pandemic, and we are living really hard times,” said Vivian Lopez, who was waiting in line.
Volunteers handed out about 1,000 boxes to families in need.
“It’s a big help for my house, for my neighbor,” said Fuentes. “We can share with everybody.”
The event was set to begin at 9 a.m. but was delayed.
King Jesus Ministry hosts smaller distributions like this every Tuesday and Thursday through the church’s food pantry from 9 a.m. to noon.
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