CBS4.com staffers show off events in South Florida
Jul 1, 2009 7:48 pm US/Eastern
Neighbors 4 Neighbors Kicks Off Food Drive
Food Drive To Replenish South Florida Food Banks
Register Here For The Food 4 South Florida Food Drive
Click Here To Donate To Neighbors 4 Neighbors Or Call (305) 597-4404
DORAL (CBS4) ―
South Florida food banks continue to hurt during these tough economic times, and this means some of the most vulnerable residents in our population that depend on them are suffering.
For Jonas Katz, grocery shopping has become impossible. Katz is a World War II veteran who has found himself in need of help, like so many South Floridians during this tough time. At 88-years-old, Katz needs help from his fellow countrymen and women.
"When I retired social security wasn't enough to pay my bills," said Katz to
CBS4's Jorge Estevez at the Food Pantry of Broward, where the two met as Katz stocked up on food.
After the war, Katz worked for decades. He made a living, but never got rich. So he returned to work after his first retirement to pay the bills. Now at 88, he is retired again and faced with the reality of mounting bills.
"I just couldn't afford to buy enough food to live on," said Katz.
And thanks to the Food Pantry of Broward, which specializes in South Florida seniors, this veteran has gotten the help he deserved.
"During this current economic crisis, a lot of people who were on the edge have now been pushed over the edge," said Bruce Harris, Director of Development for the Food Pantry of Broward.
Katz was one of those pushed to his limits, until he qualified to receive the donations given to the Food Pantry of Broward.
"Instead of losing weight, I even gained a little," joked Katz referring to the food that has helped him stay healthy. "People that donate are people that God should have live forever," said Katz.
But it is not just families that are having trouble keeping up with the demands placed upon them. Local food banks are also having trouble keeping their shelves stocked with food as the demand for their services grows.
That's why
CBS4's Neighbors 4 Neighbors has teamed up with Chick-fil-A restaurants throughout South Florida to sponsor "Food 4 South Florida", a food drive aimed at replenishing shrinking food banks for families facing financial hardship.
Neighbors 4 Neighbors is accepting food or cash donations at any "Chic-Fil-A" Restaurant in south Florida. The donations are accepted through the month of July and will be divided to several food banks.
The "Food 4 South Florida" food drive kicked off Wednesday and will run through Friday, July 31st.
Community groups, individuals, and businesses who participate, will be paired with a food bank closest to them. To sign up, simply go to
cbs4.com/neighbors.
Chick-fil-A locations that serve as drop-off points:
- Dadeland Mall (Food Court)
- Doral FSU
- The Fountains of Miramar
- Pembroke Lakes Mall
- Sawgrass Square
- Westfield Broward (Broward Mall)
- Lauderhill
- Coral Square Mall
- Coral Springs
Because the economy is also making it harder for pet owners, Neighbors will also accept pet food donations and arrange distribution for the community's furry friends.
If you would like to help by donating food for South Florida families, you can also contact
Neighbors 4 Neighbors at (305) 597-4404 or you can
CLICK HERE to donate money.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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