This Thanksgiving season, the Greater Palm Harbor YMCA embraced the true spirit of giving by supporting FEAST, a local food pantry dedicated to helping families facing food insecurity. What began as a simple idea quickly grew into a powerful community effort, one that demonstrated how small acts of kindness can transform into a remarkable impact when neighbors come together.
The initiative began when Karie Arthur, Senior Membership Director at the Greater Palm Harbor YMCA attended a Palm Harbor Chamber of Commerce luncheon and learned about FEAST’s Thanksgiving food drive. Inspired by the mission and the growing need in the community, she knew the Y could help.
Karie shared, “I took a few paper bags that had a food donation list on them and started distributing them to interested members.”
What started as handing out a few bags became something far greater. As word spread throughout the branch, members enthusiastically stepped up to participate. Bags were picked up almost as quickly as they were made available. Before long, the Greater Palm Harbor YMCA had collected more than 300 bags of food, far surpassing the modest goal Karie initially imagined. This overwhelming response reflects the generosity and compassion that define the Y’s members and the broader Palm Harbor community.
This support is especially meaningful to FEAST, whose work is essential to meeting the needs of local families. Tamara Black, who serves on the YMCA of the Suncoast board and as an Advisory Council member for the Greater Palm Harbor YMCA, also leads FEAST as its Executive Director. She shared that the pantry expects to serve roughly 1,200 families this holiday season. The contributions from the Y and its members will help ensure that more families can enjoy a warm, nourishing meal and a sense of hope during a time that can be difficult for many.
We are deeply grateful to our members and the Greater Palm Harbor community for their generous hearts and giving spirits. Your kindness continues to make a meaningful difference for families right here at home.
If you weren’t able to pick up a Thanksgiving meal bag but would still like to uplift a family this holiday season, we invite you to take part in our upcoming Giving Tree. By providing holiday gifts for children in need, you can help ensure every child experiences the joy and magic of the season. Stop by our lobby in the coming weeks to choose a Giving Tree ornament and sponsor a child in our community.
Together, we can share hope, brighten holidays and strengthen the spirit of giving across Palm Harbor.