Local businesses join forces for third annual Thanksgiving giveaway
On Sunday Nov. 22, a group of local businesses was prepared gave away Thanksgiving turkeys for the third year in a row.
“The first year was just myself and Baxter Appliance,” said Miceli. “We saw the outreach from the community and local businesses so the second year we were able to grow it a little bit more and now this is our biggest year, we were able to buy 200 meals.”
According to Miceli, included in each of the bags for this year’s giveaway was a 14 to 15-pound turkey, a 5-pound bag of potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy and pumpkin pie, for anyone who needed it. He said it’s all about giving back to the community.
This year, Monroe Canal Marina, Island Grill, Friendly Frankies Liquor and the Bobby Holloway Foundation have also joined the Turkey Fest team, with El Pollo Rico and Baxter Appliance, according to Miceli.
“Nobody deserves to go hungry,” he said.
In response to how this all began, Miceli said it was just something he felt he should do.
“I know my dad would be proud of me,” he added.
Local Winn-Dixie store manager Dan Loughren gave Miceli all the bags they would need and Miceli then brought the bags to Pine Island Elementary for the children to color and decorate for Thanksgiving.
If anyone would like to donate or join the giveaway for next year, please stop in and see Miceli at El Pollo Rico 5508 Avenue A, Bokeelia, FL 33922.