Local

Thousands of struggling central Florida families need help

ORLANDO, Fla. — As the year winds down, the need of struggling families ramps up.

"People are out there, and they're struggling, and this is the time of year to help," said Greg Higgerson of Second Harvest Food Bank.

Thousands of families in central Florida face food insecurity as the holidays near.

Feeding America, a national campaign, aims to put desperately-needed meals on tables right here in Florida.

"We can certainly use more, we hope to see more as we get into the Thanksgiving time period," Higgerson said.

In November, Disney/ABC will match donations to Feeding America of up to $250,000.

The Second Harvest food bank is the local beneficiary of those donations as Feeding America's local affiliate.

There is great news for Second Harvest. In addition to the match, Disney/ABC decided to double a cash commitment this year, a $10,000 donation to help keep the shelves stocked, the lights lit, and the work done at one of the busiest times of the year.

Funds make it all possible. Organizers say no money, no mission, so $10,000 is a real shot in the arm going forward to help people that would not have help otherwise.