On Monday, Food For The Poor presented a check to Essie Reed, affectionately known as "Big Mama," at their headquarters in Coconut Creek.
For decades, Reed has helped local, less fortunate families during the holiday season. But after an October fire at her Team of Life headquarters in Fort Lauderdale., it was unclear if Big Mama would be able to fulfill her holiday-season duties.
But with help, this check will help to provide nearly 400 turkeys for her annual Thanksgiving giveaway.
“Big Mama is a very special person with a huge heart. She’s going through a rough patch at the moment and we want to do our part and help her out,” said Robin Mahfood, President/CEO of Food For The Poor, which provides food to millions in both Caribbean and Central American countries.
No one was hurt in the October 3rd electrical fire at the building off NW 8th Street and 21st Avenue, which had been renovated in 2006 and included a youth center.