The season of giving rang true in Boca Raton this Christmas Day as the Town Center Mall opened not for last-minute shoppers, but to provide a feast for those in need. Over 500 people gathered to enjoy the 10th annual Christmas Day meal, hosted by Boca Helping Hands, a local nonprofit that is a central figure in battling food insecurity. Bringing together seniors, families, and children, the meal was made possible by the generosity of around a dozen local restaurants, as reported by CBS12.
In a statement obtained by CBS12, Andrew Hagen of Boca Helping Hands said, “Today is an opportunity for the community to give and for other community members to receive. This is the 10th year that we've been hosting a meal for clients from Boca Helping Hands with special needs seniors, working class people trying to make ends meet, children, of course.” Nearly 100 volunteers, including Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer and other council members, served festive meals and cheer, putting their personal holiday celebrations on pause to support the community initiative. Community members had little idea that what they experienced was more than a holiday treat, being served smiles and comfort by the volunteers who cared for them.
Indeed, the efforts of these volunteers were instrumental, with individuals like Ahnich Khalid, managing partner of Maggiano's Little Italy, expressing a heartfelt commitment to the cause. "I would love to keep doing this for the next hundred years if I could. It's a blessing. And it's a beautiful thing to do," Khalid told WPBF.
Despite the festive atmosphere, Hagen highlighted the underlying issue of food insecurity that haunts many local families, especially in light of economic shifts and possible SNAP cuts. “The needs are real. And as you know, with SNAP cuts that were threatened or changed, people are anxious. These are great people, hardworking people just trying to make ends meet and we're just trying to help them do that," Hagen explained to CBS12. Mayor Singer echoed the community spirit, “I feel fortunate to be able to celebrate so many wonderful holidays. It's my small part to be able to serve meals for a few hours, to help others enjoy a really special day, and anything we can do to make families in need feel more special. I'm all for it, so it's a pleasure and an honor every year. It's a highlight of my Christmas Day to come here.”
