PORT RICHEY, Fla - Hundreds of families now have some much needed help for the holidays.

What You Need To Know

Pasco County’s 26th Annual Holiday Food Giveaway saw a huge turnout this year. It was even bigger than usual.

Cars lined up as early as Thursday night at Faith Baptist Church to get some food for Christmas, including ham, potatoes and other groceries.

Many folks cited the pandemic as making things especially hard on their wallets this year.

“It’s really a blessing for them to help out our family, especially with covid, this really, really helps us for the holiday,” Odessa resident Crystal Vollen said.

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano and other county officials organized the annual giveaway. Fasano says his office charity raised $25,000 for food, knowing this year would be busier than usual.

“We see the cars. There are two or three families in those vehicles because they don’t have a car to get here. Or that person driving is helping a neighbor out that couldn’t get here. We’re seeing an overwhelming amount of need this year,” Fasano said.

He says they usually feed about six to seven hundred families. This year, organizers had enough for at least 900.

Folks also got some extra goods and produce from Farm Share, an organization that donates surplus food around Florida.

Santa and Mrs. Claus were on hand for some candy canes and toys for the little ones who came by.

“The unity we have in this community to help others is second to none,” Fasano said.

Several local businesses and Dayspring Academy also raised money and gathered food for the giveaway.