Tidewell Foundation volunteers give back during Thanksgiving

Those in the parking lot of the Tidewell Hospice administration building the day before Thanksgiving in Lakewood Ranch weren't focused on the "being thankful" part of the holiday.

They were concentrating on the "giving back" part.

The Tidewell Foundation's fifth annual Meal Drive provided more than 500 meals that were delivered through Manatee, Sarasota, DeSoto and Charlotte counties to provide, in many cases, what might be the last holiday meal a couple or family would be able to share.

Morton's Gourmet Market, the Venice Yacht Club and Michael's on East made the meals possible and then volunteers packed and delivered the meals Nov. 27.

Among those in the parking lot was Bradenton's Terry Dale, who was volunteering in the event for the first time.

"I am trying to give back," Dale said as she was busy handing out meals to other volunteers who drove up to take care of the delivery. "Two years ago, these people (Tidewell Hospice) were a godsend."

Her husband of 47 years, Bill Dale, died at that time and Terry Dale doesn't know how she would have made it through without Tidewell Hospice. She knew the importance of the food that was being sent out with the volunteers.

"Thanksgiving is all about food," she said. "The holidays can be a real hole in your family, and this can help them stay together. This might be the last meal they have together."

She said the volunteer work is helpful for her, too, during the holidays.

"This gives me something to do," she said, trying to hold back tears.

Photo by Jay Heater

Tears, and laughter, flowed freely in the parking lot as the volunteers worked together. Whisper Bend's Patricia Wingenfeld and Steve Rinder drove up to collect meals they could deliver and Steve was trying to contain his thoughts and emotions. A year ago, Tidewell Hospice helped them get through the death of his mom, Audrey Rinder.

A year later, he said he wanted to give back.

Wingenfeld has been a hospice volunteer with Tidewell for more than six years. They brought their dog, Benson, along for support.

Tidewell Foundation President Delesa Morris and Empath Health CEO Jonathan Fleece were working alongside the volunteers in the parking lot. They said those who benefitted from the event went from children in pediatric hospitals up to any age.

The Meal Drive is just one of the Tidewell Foundation's many events that benefit the community.

"Every day, you think of what you can do," Morris said.