Providence Helps to Feed 1,000 This Holiday Season

Hundreds of employees of the City of Providence have joined Mayor Taveras in efforts to help families in need in the capital city and across Rhode Island this holiday season.

For many of us the holidays are a time of joy and happiness. But for many families the holiday season is filled with concerns about paying for heat, having warm clothes or being able to provide holiday meals or gifts for their children and families.

Mayor Taveras and the City of Providence are proud sponsors and participants in this year's Feed 1000 Rhode Islanders campaign, as well as Children Friend's Spirit of Giving holiday toy drive.

Feed 1,000 is a nonprofit organization working to provide a free meal and personal gift bag to 1,000 individuals in need this holiday season. On Saturday December 17 from 12-4 PM, Mayor Taveras will help serve meals at a soup kitchen and join Providence employees and hundreds of people at the Rhode Island Convention Center for Feed 1,000's big day of giving.

Workers at City Hall and other City offices have also donated hundreds of toys to Children's Friend and Service's Spirit of Giving holiday drive. Large bins were also placed on every floor of City Hall for donations of new or gently used winter items such as coats, jackets, gloves, blankets and hats. Mayor Taveras will personally deliver the donated items to Children's Friend on December 14.

Last year, Children's Friend provided holiday gifts to more than 840 families. In addition, each of the more than 1,200 children in Children's Friends' classrooms received a gift. This year, they hope to brighten this holiday season for more than 1,000 families.

"I thank all Providence employees for their generous donations this holiday season, and commend the many organizations who dedicate themselves year round to serving the least fortunate in our City." said Mayor Taveras. "These are more than gifts; they are a message of hope and good will for many facing difficult times."

For more information on these organizations and events, visit: www.Feed1000.org and www.cfsri.org