BEAM has been serving beaches families for four decades.
“We primarily provide financial assistance for rent, utility and food assistance, and we have some special initiatives that target seniors and single parents,” explained BEAM executive director Jeff Winkler, who added that BEAM is seeing more need, both in terms of clients and the frequency in which they are requesting services.
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Last year, BEAM distributed more than 1 million meals through its two pantries. In the past three years, the number of pantry appointments it provided has increased by 50%.
This is a list of foods needed for Thanksgiving:
- $20 grocery store gift card (to purchase a turkey)
- 2 packets of instant mashed potatoes
- 2 cans of green beans
- 2 cans of corn
- 1 bag of stovetop or stuffing
- 2 boxes of instant mac and cheese
- 1 can of cranberry sauce
- 2 packets of turkey gravy
- 1 bag of rice
- 1 bread mix (cornbread or biscuits)
- 1 dessert mix
- 1 large can of yams
- 1 package of napkins
Food donations for the Thanksgiving meal program are needed by next week.
They can be dropped off at St. Paul’s Father Murphy Hall at 628 1st Ave. North in Jacksonville Beach from 8-11:30 a.m. and 4-5:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday.
Donations can be dropped off in a reusable bag. If you do not have time to shop, you can make a donation of $50 to BEAM, which will buy the food and grocery gift card for you.
The meals are being handed out starting on Thursday, Nov. 21.
Winkler said the need for food donations now is tremendous, not just during the holidays, but throughout the year.
To donate or learn more about BEAM and its mission, click here.