A local organization is helping feed low income families this Thanksgiving - WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale

"Feeding Hope on Thanksgiving: Local Organization Provides Warm Meals to Low-Income Families"

As the holiday season approaches, one local organization is making a significant impact in South Florida by providing warm meals to thousands of low-income families. Branches, a nonprofit based in North Miami, has been working tirelessly for 25 years to break through the poverty barrier and offer a sense of hope on Thanksgiving Day.

The organization's production is massive, with over 6,000 meals being prepared and delivered across South Florida. Volunteers from all walks of life come together to cook, package, and distribute these meals, which include traditional Thanksgiving favorites like mashed potatoes, gravy, and stuffing.

For families struggling to make ends meet, the meal delivery is a godsend. For Josechaba Dolcema, an eight-child household, the stress of planning a Thanksgiving meal has been lifted off her shoulders. "They help me," she said, beaming with gratitude. "The kids are happy when I have Thanksgiving."

But these meals serve more than just families in need. They also provide a sense of community and fulfillment for the volunteers who give their time and energy to make it happen. Hector Sanchez, a volunteer, shared that his wife and he wanted to show their children the importance of giving back to the community. Now, their teenagers are carrying on this tradition, serving alongside their spouses.

As CEO of Branches, Brent McLaughlin notes that the organization's growth is a testament to the generosity of people who have been touched by its work over the years. "People have been so generous... they keep getting more generous and want to give back," he said.

With the first year of the program producing just 600 Thanksgiving dinners, it's remarkable to see how far Branches has come in 25 short years. As McLaughlin aptly put it, "It's both giver and receiver that is blessed" when people come together to make a difference in their communities.

For those who want to continue this tradition of kindness, the organization invites readers to submit suggestions for future spotlights. By working together, we can create a ripple effect of hope and generosity that extends far beyond Thanksgiving Day.

You know I was reading about Branches nonprofit and I gotta say they're doing something amazing in South Florida! 6k meals is crazy, and to think it's just one year into their massive production... wow. The community vibe behind this org is super inspiring too. Volunteers from all walks of life coming together to make a difference? That's the kind of spirit we need more of I'm loving how they're also passing down this tradition to the next gen, keeping the cycle of kindness alive

I'm so touched by Branches' selfless efforts to bring warmth and love to low-income families on Thanksgiving . It's amazing to see how volunteering and kindness can create a chain reaction of goodness . As someone who's been fortunate enough to live a comfortable life, it makes me realize that even the smallest gestures can make a big difference in someone's life . I'm inspired by Josechaba's story and the countless others like her who've found hope through Branches' work . Let's keep spreading love and kindness throughout the year, not just on Thanksgiving

I'm thinking about how we got here... 25 years is crazy ! You gotta love the fact that people like Josechaba are able to enjoy their first Thanksgiving without stressing over food. It's amazing how something as simple as a hot meal can bring so much joy to families in need .

And I'm totally with Hector and his wife, wanting to instill this sense of giving back to their kids from a young age. It's awesome that the tradition is being passed down to the next gen . And the fact that volunteers like them are carrying on the work, it just shows how much impact one person (or family) can make .

I'm also loving the growth of Branches over the years... from 600 meals to 6k+ is incredible ! It's proof that when people come together with a common goal, amazing things can happen. And I love how it's not just about the food, but about the sense of community and fulfillment for everyone involved .

This is so inspiring! I love how this one local org has been making such a big difference in South Florida over the years . It's amazing to think about how much work goes into feeding 6,000 families and it's clear that everyone involved is super passionate about helping others . And you know what really gets me? The fact that volunteers get to share this experience with their own family members - like Hector and his teens ! That's just beautiful .

ugh, sounds like ppl r outta luck , thousands of families struggling 2 make ends meet & Branches is just makin it worse w/ all these "volunteer" opportunities . seems 2 me like they're just pawns in a bigger system. & what's the real deal w/ all this "community building"? jus a fancy way 4 us 2 feel good about ourselves while others suffer

I'm so moved by this story ... it's like they're saying, even in hard times, there are people who genuinely care about others... I mean, 6k meals, that's massive! It's great to see volunteers come together for a cause, especially families with teenagers who'll carry on the tradition ... and can you imagine having to plan a Thanksgiving meal for an 8-kid household? Stress must be high... but knowing there are people like Branches to help is just amazing

I'm like what's the deal with these organizations giving away free meals on Thanksgiving? It's just another day, right? I mean, don't get me wrong, it's nice that they're trying to help out those in need, but is it really that hard for families to afford a decent meal?

And have you seen the lines of volunteers waiting around? It's like a never-ending game of Hunger Games over there. I'm sure some people are genuinely passionate about giving back, but what about those who just want to chill and eat some food without having their every move scrutinized?

I gotta say, it's pretty amazing to see how Branches has grown from just 600 meals in their first year to over 6k now . It just goes to show that when people come together with a common goal, they can make a real difference in their communities . And I love how they're not just focusing on the families who need it most, but also on giving back to their volunteers too - it's all about creating a sense of community and fulfillment . Brent McLaughlin is right, when people show up with kindness and generosity, everyone around them starts to feel blessed . Let's keep spreading that ripple effect of hope and kindness, no matter what time of year it is!

I'm thinkin' that maybe we're puttin' too much emphasis on these charity events like Branches? I mean don't get me wrong, it's great that they're helpin' out low-income families on Thanksgiving, but is it really addressin' the root issue of poverty or are we just bandaiddin' the problem? We need to be thinkin' about systemic changes and ways to support these families long-term.

Ugh, can't even celebrate Thanksgiving without thinking about all the people struggling to put food on the table . Like, 6k meals just scratches the surface of how many families are still living in poverty...and it's only because of organizations like Branches that they're getting help in the first place . And don't even get me started on the volunteers, people have to give up their Thanksgiving dinner (lucky them?) to make sure everyone else has a decent meal . It's just another reminder that the system is still broken and we need more help than ever

I'm loving how Branches is making such a huge difference in South Florida's low-income families. 25 years is crazy, it just goes to show how passionate people are about giving back . And can we talk about the volunteers? I mean, they're not just serving food, they're bringing families together and spreading hope . It's amazing that Josechaba's kids got to enjoy a stress-free Thanksgiving with their family - every little bit counts, right? As for me, I'd totally want to volunteer my time and skills to help out with something like this in the future. It's heartwarming to see people of all ages giving back together as a family .

It's amazing to see an org like Branches making such a huge impact on the community! I mean, 6,000 meals is crazy! I think it's awesome how they've been able to grow over the years because of all the generosity from people who believe in what they're doing. It shows that even small acts can add up and make a big difference. What I love most about this org is how they involve volunteers from all walks of life, it's so community-driven!

I think its really cool that Branches is able to provide all these meals to low-income families on Thanksgiving. Its not just about the food though, its about bringing people together and showing them kindness. I mean, can you imagine if everyone just looked out for each other like this? We could make a real difference in our community. The fact that volunteers are now getting their kids involved too is amazing, its like they're passing on the values of generosity to the next gen.

idk why ppl dont support orgs like branches more?? its not about the $$$ they just wanna help ppl out on thanksgiving day i mean 600 meals in the first year is crazy but 6k now thats a whole different story. and its not just about the food, its about the community theyre building. volunteers gettin paid to give back? idk how more generous u can get

I'm telling you, this local org Branches is more than just about feeding hungry families on Thanksgiving. It's a masterclass in massaging people's feelings to keep the money flowing! They're like a Trojan horse for corporate donations, using the "giver and receiver are blessed" nonsense to distract us from the real agenda.

And have you seen those family testimonials? So cheesy! Josechaba Dolcema says they help her lift off the stress of planning a meal... yeah right! Maybe she's just paying them under the table so they don't ask for benefits. And what about Hector Sanchez and his wife wanting to show their kids the importance of giving back? Sounds like a recruitment pitch to me!

Meanwhile, Brent McLaughlin is raking it in as CEO, and we're supposed to be all warm and fuzzy about the "ripple effect of hope" they're creating? Give me a break! It's just a well-oiled machine for siphoning off cash from unsuspecting donors. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure there are some genuine volunteers out there... but the whole thing reeks of manipulation to me