JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hundreds of families in need received some extra help with food on the table Friday thanks to the Clara White Mission’s 28th annual “Miracle on Ashley Street” food distribution.
News4Jax is a proud sponsor of the event, which was a chance to give back and come together as a community.
For the second year in a row, the distribution was drive-through only at the West Ashley Street mission, where the feeling was good, the energy was high, and the mission was simple Friday: make a difference one car at a time.
Miracle bags were filled with food and household items, and hot meals were served to-go style on a first-come, first-served basis as those who drove up popped their trunks for the drive-up service.
“This will bless five people in my home. So, it’s a huge blessing,” said recipient Cindy Stoufflet. “People don’t realize how much it helps, but if you have a child who is saying, ‘I’m hungry’...it does, it helps a lot.”
Hundreds of families took part in the “Pop Your Trunk and Go” event, and people who need housing received help as well.
In addition to the groceries, or a hot meal to go, and some household items, everyone who came through got some disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer.
Jacksonville City Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman has served as the president and CEO of the Clara White Mission for 27 years.
She said the pandemic brought a bigger need -- and a renewed push to help.
“We lost a lot of our volunteers during COVID. This is really kind of our coming out party again to the community and allowing people to be hands on. And help,” Pittman said.
In addition to News4Jax, sponsors for Friday’s event included:
- Citi
- Delores Barr Weaver Forever Event Fund
- Rise
- Pajcic & Pajcic
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Home Depot Pro
- Farm Share
