Another Successful Day of Giving

On December 22, 2008, Vince Carter’s Embassy of Hope Foundation partnered with the community to distribute 150 food baskets to needy families.  This “Believing In Christmas” food distribution brought agencies, families, Publix Supermarkets, Embassy of Hope Advisory Board members, and volunteers together to help families have a better and brighter Christmas.

“There are a lot of people here in theDaytona Beach area that could use some extra help – especially this year,” said NBA New Jersey Nets basketball star Vince Carter.  “That’s why I formed the Embassy of Hope Foundation, to help children and families.  This basket will lift a little bit of the burden from these families.”

Publix’s support was spearheaded by Mark Hodgson, manager of the Publix in Ormond-By-The-Sea, in addition to Roy Hand, truck driver from Jacksonville who volunteered to help again this year, Kristin Cannons, and John Schultz.   Bill Mazziotti of Arnold Bakery donated stuffing for the baskets and Joseph Tomazin III of Samsula provided fresh collard greens from his farm at his cost.

Organizations receiving the baskets and distributing them to needy families included Children’s Home Society, Operation Caring Through Sharing, Grace Episcopal Church, St. James Episcopal Church, Family Renew Community, Great Kids Explorer Club, Ormond Beach Middle School, and Rise Above It Family Church.

“Most of the people are working but live week to week,” said the Reverend Judy Mathis, Deacon at St. James Episcopal Church who helps to identify families in need and delivers the baskets.  “To come up with an extra $60 to buy a turkey or ham and put on a big spread is almost impossible for them.  Small things can put them behind for at least a month.”