JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A local nonprofit organization gathered for an event Tuesday evening to celebrate their success of helping those in need in the Jacksonville area.
Local families struggle with the decision of paying for food, electricity or rent. A fundraising event held Tuesday evening had high hopes of raising up to $35,000 for homeless families and children, the elderly and those who are disabled.
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The event was held at Mellow Mushroom in Avondale.
It's a part of The Great Electric Emergency to help raise money for families in need.
Jacksonville superhero "Commander Current," in partnership with the Downtown Ecumenical Services Council and sports guru Cole Pepper, hosted the fundraiser.
Kids were asked to come dressed up as their favorite superhero.
News4Jax spoke with the fundraising producer, Julie Handley of DESC.
"We're having a great event. This is The Great Electric Emergency, because, at DESC, part of our mission is to help people stay in their homes and we know that the hot summer is coming. And during that hot summer, often many people can't pay their electric bill. So we are trying to help people stay in their homes, particularly people that have children, are disabled, or are elderly,” said Handley.
Handley said every week they get approximately 100 calls from people who are about to lose their homes. And their goal Tuesday night was to raise money for 120 families to stay in their homes.
“And last year, this event started with Captain Underwear, because we found out that people needed underwear. Because of this event and the people at Mellow Mushroom, now everyone that comes to DESC gets a week’s worth of clean underwear and socks that they can wear, and that's a big help. In addition to all their clothing,” Handley said.
For more information about the organization and The Great Electric Emergency, visit their website.