In the wake of Hurricane Milton’s swift and devastating arrival, the Daytona Beach community responded with resilience, support, and solidarity. Food Brings Hope, in partnership with organizations including Jeep Beach, Advent Health, Daytona Regional Chamber, Salvation Army, Volusia County, Halifax Urban Ministries, and Florida Power and Light, launched a large-scale relief event at Greater New Zion PB Church to serve the people most impacted by the storm.
The event provided hot boxed meals, non-perishable food items, fresh produce, clothes, shoes, toiletries, and essential household items like paper towels, bath towels, and cleaning supplies. 650 meals were served to the Midtown Community, and 600 meals were delivered to South Daytona. “We wanted to make sure no one went hungry and that people knew they weren’t alone,” said Greer.
Neighbors worked tirelessly, clearing debris and drying out local businesses to help them reopen. Local Krista Goodrich from Salty Dog Vacations used social media to make calls to action. The Junkless Junk Removal team, Logan Carnes and Kyle Marchun, volunteered their time and resources to individuals in need, including the Domestic Abuse Council, helping clear the site and restore essential services.
Coming just after the recent devastation from Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, Hurricane Milton brought additional heartbreak to a community still in recovery. Yet, the united response has shown the community’s strength and compassion. While homes and hearts have been battered, this Holiday season it remains seen that the Community is resilient and demonstrates the true reason for the Season. Love.