A charitable initiative in Brandon delivered assistance to hundreds of Tampa Bay households this week, showcasing increased demand for food support during the holiday season.
Rising costs for basic necessities prompted an expanded distribution effort by local nonprofit Boricuas de Corazon, which handed out turkeys and groceries to 300 families preparing for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Long queues of vehicles demonstrated the substantial need for assistance in the community as residents waited to receive holiday provisions from the organization’s local branch.
“We continue feeding the families that are in need now more than ever because the situation is terrible,” said Linda Perez, who founded the group. Her team has witnessed firsthand how economic pressures are affecting area households.
The organization’s reach extends far beyond seasonal giving. Since launching their Brandon location in 2018, they’ve grown to manage 28 charitable events annually, supporting over 145,000 families through various programs.
Their aid ranges from providing school supplies to distributing baby formula, alongside maintaining readiness for natural disasters and emergencies throughout the year.
The roots of Boricuas de Corazon trace back to Hurricane Maria’s impact on Puerto Rico, which motivated Perez to establish chapters both on the island and in Florida to help communities recover from disasters.
Among those benefiting from the distribution was the Ceccarelli Rosenberg Foundation, which received multiple turkeys to support their upcoming Christmas celebration for survivors of trafficking and exploitation.
“We assist in the community with a lot of different supplies by the government or by entities that support us throughout the year,” Perez noted, highlighting their partnerships with various supporters.
As families face mounting financial challenges, the organization continues expanding its efforts to meet growing community needs through regular assistance programs and special holiday distributions.
