Date : October 27, 2011 11:18 AM
Drayton Florence Foundation to host Day of Thankgiving in Ocala, FL
Thanksgiving meals will be provided for 100 Marion County families
Ocala, Fla (October 27, 2011) – On Thursday, November 17, 100 students in the local Take Stock in Children program will be receiving Thanksgiving dinner baskets for their families at a Day of Thanksgiving event sponsored by the Drayton Florence Foundation.
Representatives from the Drayton Florence Foundation will be on hand at the Ed Croskey Recreation Center in Ocala beginning at 6 p.m. to present the baskets. This the second year the foundation has supported the Take Stock in Children program at Thanksgiving.
The event serves as the official celebration of Take Stock In Children Awareness month. Take Stock In Children is a premier statewide mentoring program for at-risk, low-income students. Locally a program of the Public Education Foundation of Marion County, Take Stock in Children provides students with a caring mentor throughout high school and a Florida PrePaid scholarship upon successful completion of the program.
Ocala native Drayton Florence, cornerback for the Buffalo Bills, established his Foundation to educate, motivate and stimulate youth, empowering them for a lifetime of success. Programs include technology labs at local community centers, Thanksgiving dinners for families in need and community outreach to schools and non-profit organizations.
In addition, Ocala residents Kris Clere, a US Army Staff Sergeant, and his wife Mandy, have established a fund to help support the giveaway, reaching out to supporters throughout the world to make this day possible. To assist them in their quest, visit www.worthycauses.blog.com/a-day-of-thanksgiving. Anyone who wants to assist in supporting the program can drop off nonperishable Thanksgiving food items at the Take Stock in Children offices located at 1239 NE 4th Street in Ocala. Items sought include boxed potatoes or stuffing, canned vegetables and gift cards to Publix.
As a community celebration, the public is invited and light snacks and refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact Michelle Robie, executive director of the Drayton Florence Foundation at (727) 501-6767 or via email at michelle@draytonflorencefoundation.com.