November 26, 2020 | Thanksgiving in Tampa Bay

Children First is providing meals to families and staff for the holiday season thanks to the generosity of Sarasota realtor Michele Tanner, her non-profit Tanner’s Turkeys, and an anonymous donor.

The agency distributed 60 turkeys and sides to the families it serves as a recipient of ‘Tanner’s Turkey’s Holiday Basket Brigade,’ and Publix holiday meal gift cards for each of their more than 200 employees thanks to generous support from an anonymous donor.

The turkeys and sides were distributed at the North Port and Venice campuses, as well as the Dr. Elaine Marieb Early Learning Center in Sarasota with smiles all around.

Tanner’s Turkeys was created ten years ago, organizing basket brigades to provide local families in need with a turkey, along with all the fixings needed to make a traditional Thanksgiving meal. This is the first year that the non-profits have partnered, and both look forward to giving families the opportunity to celebrate together now and in the future.

Says CEO Philip Tavill, “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Children First has continued to retain all staff members as we work collectively to provide the highest level of service, elevate our mission, and support our families during an unprecedented time. We are deeply grateful to Michele and everyone behind this year’s basket brigade, our anonymous donor, our staff, board of directors, children, and families, and our community for making all of this great work possible each day.”