Photo Courtesy of LaRhonda Celestin
As the holidays are vastly approaching, Florida A&M University (FAMU) hosted Annual Turkey Drive at the Jake Gaither Gymnasium on Tuesday.
Thanksgiving boxes were prepared for families in need, which included turkeys and other holiday fixings.
As the goal of delivering 300 boxes to these families were met there were still a few leftover items that was given to FAMU’s surrounding community.
Alongside FAMU and the event coordinator Raymond E. Bellamy, there were many officers and volunteers that aided in this events.
“It was very successful,” said Assistant Vice President for Communication, Media Relations, and Marketing, Elise Durham.
“There was also a good turn out with the cross sections of volunteers,” Durham said. “It was very well attended.”
Many of the volunteers represented various community groups such as TRiO Student Association and the Tallahassee Leon Homeless Shelter.
“[This event] was pretty nice,” said volunteer Te’sharie Spaulding. “The people from the Sheriff Department and police department actually stored the food for [Mr. Bellamy] at the jail house.”
Photo Courtesy of LaRhonda Celestin
Volunteers packaging Thanksgiving items for families in need
Spaulding played a vital role in assisting Mr. Bellamy with this event.
Mr. Bellamy have been coordinating events like this for the past 29 years. While FAMU has hosted this event for this past 10 years, this year is dedicated to emergency responders and those who have fallen in the line of duty such as Sheriff Larry Campbell.
Due to his humble beginnings, Mr. Bellamy understands the value of this holiday season.
“Growing up poor, I would go to school and other kids would have food and I wouldn’t,” Bellamy said.
And with his personal affinity towards giving back he knows the mission of his life.
“The price of living is to give back as you go through life,” said Bellamy. “We as a community have to commit to helping.”
For more information on other Turkey Drives in the Tallahassee area visit Talgov.com.