Free Thanksgiving meals handed out at St. Monica’s Episcopal Church

Thanksgiving is just days away, and many families are already struggling, but one non-profit organization is handing out thanksgiving meals ahead of the holiday to ensure people in our area have a hot meal on the table.

St. Monica’s Episcopal Church in Naples says it’s been a tough year for many, and many people face food insecurity.

The homeless population was hit hard during Hurricane Ian, so this holiday season, their goal is to feed anyone hungry.

This year several nonprofits and food banks are gearing up to give away turkey and sides, and Feed Thy Neighbor is one of the nonprofit organizations participating.

On Monday, they will give out 500 turkeys along with the sides.

All people must do is drive up to the church at 7070 Immokalee Road, and dozens of volunteers will put the turkeys and meal boxes right into their car.

Vincent Mansolillo, with Feed Thy Neighbor, said since the hurricane, they haven’t stopped working because the need spiked so fast.

“If you’re homeless and you need a meal or a home, we wanna feed ya. After the hurricane, we have had people who lost absolutely everything. One woman living on a boat, she lost her boat, and she also lost her car and had no way to get to work Southwest Florida got hit hard,” said Mansolillo.

The distribution is expected to start at 10 a.m. and run until 2 p.m. Feed Thy Neighbor also says anyone who gets the meals and needs a place to cook it can leave their name and number with volunteers, and they will direct them where they can get it cooked.

They are also planning on giving out 600 warm meals on Thanksgiving live in Naples.