While the holiday season does bring cheer and togetherness to families and communities, it does, however, prove to be a stressful time for many families financially—especially in the wake of COVID-19.
That's why three Christian and Muslim women—Candy Lowe, Riffat Merchant, and Chaikirah Parker—came together after a generous donation, to host 'Tis the Season of Giving. The free drive-thru community dinner provides meals for the disenfranchised so that no one is alone or hungry during this holiday season.
"The anonymous donor said that they were so blessed this year, that they wanted to give back to the community, and they just wanted to feed people," Parker explained on a phone call with CL.
The trio of women are longtime advocates within the Tampa Bay area and brainstormed a way to not only give back, but also connect with the community. That meant linking up with Black-owned restaurant, and Ybor City staple, Al's Finger Licking Good Soul Food.
According to Parker, Al's checked all the boxes for the restaurant partnership.
"Al's is known for doing neighborhood outreach, and giving vibrancy to the East Tampa area and those who live there," Parker said. A release said that this weekend, on Saturday, Dec. 19, volunteers will gather to help distribute 250 meals—all cooked up by Al's to—Hillsborough County Foster Families.
"We wanted to expand our efforts of service thought of the wonderful foster families who demonstrate every day what loving, kindness, and selfless acts look like," Parker said while also mentioning that families involved with the nonprofit organization Children With a Vision have also received a special invitation to take part.
While COVID-19 prevents those involved with this event to sit down and enjoy a meal together, Parker and her team are thrilled that they will be able to connect through this drive-thru experience by putting love in the air and smiles on people's faces.
"It is the season of giving, and during this time we wanted people to know we love them and appreciate them," she said.
'Tis the Season of Giving is looking for volunteers to help pass out meals from noon-3 p.m. at Al's, located at 2302 E. 7th Ave. in Ybor. Those interested can email Chaikirah Parker at cuniquepr@gmail.com.
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This article appears in Dec 17-23, 2020.