VISTE’s 27th Annual Thanksgiving Meal Delivery

Wednesday, November 22nd, 2023

Join us for VISTE’s 27th Annual Thanksgiving Meal Delivery and help brighten the holidays for seniors in need! This family-friendly event is a local tradition and helps kick off the holiday season. There are numerous ways to participate and to help!

On the day before Thanksgiving, volunteers prep and pack 2,000 Thanksgiving meals at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. Hundreds of volunteer drivers pick up the meals in the afternoon (using convenient drive-through lanes) and deliver Thanksgiving meals with all the trimmings, a live poinsettia, and other treats to VISTE clients age 70-107.

THANK YOU to everyone who helps make this event a success, including volunteers, community groups, local businesses, and other supporters – we couldn’t do it without YOU! Special thanks to our new Title Sponsor Allen & Company and our longtime sponsors, Mosaic, GEICO, and T. Mims Corp.

Please note: All volunteers must pre-register to deliver meals. More details can be found throughout the current newsletter, or by contacting Bethany Masters, Volunteer & Events Manager, at [email protected] or (863) 284-0828. Thank you!

This year, two VISTE programs will provide much-needed food and other items for local seniors in need, as well as a cheerful visit by a volunteer.

Please consider covering the cost of one or more Thanksgiving meals and/or Holiday Personal Care Boxes. Donating is easy! Just click on the DONATE button below to send holiday love to a local senior in need. You can support Thanksgiving meals, Holiday Personal Care boxes, or both! THANK YOU!!

Thanksgiving Gratitude from a VISTE Client

“VISTE, thank you so much for all that you did to make my Thanksgiving Day so very special! Everything you did - two hot meals, delicious pies, beautiful artwork done by schoolchildren, and bringing the meals to my home! Thank you for everyone who did so much for me!”

- Gloria, VISTE client

Volunteer Program Opportunities

“Operation Cranberry” Donations – Now through 11/15. Drop off 14 oz. cans of cranberry sauce at VISTE, M-F, 8am-4pm.

Green Bean Snap – Monday, Nov. 20, First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland

RSVP by emailing [email protected].

Thanksgiving Meal Delivery – Wednesday, Nov. 22, RP Funding Center drive through Volunteer with family, friends, and colleagues! Drivers must register by 11/13 to deliver meals.

Holiday Personal Care Boxes Delivery

- starting Monday, Dec. 4

Christmas Gift Delivery

- starting Friday, Dec. 15

VISTE 40th Anniversary Wrap-Up Celebration!

What a wonderful way to wrap up VISTE’s 40th Anniversary Celebration!! In addition to the festivities, VISTE President Steve Bissonnette gave an update on current projects, including the Endowment Fund – all good news, and all to benefit local seniors in need. Special thanks to Chuck Foss, President of CORE Wealth Advisors, who hosted the event in his company’s stunning office spaces in downtown Lakeland, and to Lu Fitzwater and our 40th Anniversary Committee members for their great work throughout the year.

Thanks also to VISTE’s Legacy sponsors - Publix Super Markets Charities, Citizen’s Bank & Trust, T. Mims Corp., Victory Church, and GEICO Philanthropic Foundation – and, as always, to Alice and Frank O’Reilly.

“VISTE is a wonderful organization, providing critical services with grace and compassion.”

- Chuck Foss, President/CPA,

CORE Wealth Advisors & previous VISTE Board member

At this special time of year, we are grateful for what we’ve been given. Please remember others in our community who may be struggling and let them know you care. Thank you for providing caring and hope to local seniors in need!

With Gratitude to Our Sponsors

Thanksgiving Meal Delivery &

Holiday Personal Care Boxes Sponsors

40th Anniversary Sponsors

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