IMMOKALEE — Kids from the Immokalee Boys & Girls Club made Thanksgiving special for 100 needy families in Immokalee on Nov. 20 by

surprising them with a delivery of turkeys and all the fixings.

It was the second time the club helped fill bellies around town. Former Immokalee Council project manager Pete Aguilar spearheaded the effort he began last year. Aguilar purchased double the amount of turkeys this year and former St. Thomas University basketball player and Immokalee resident Tony Perkins provided the side dishes.

“Our youth needs to see that not everyone is as fortunate as they are,” Aguilar said. “It’s a humbling experience and I want our youth to be exposed to these things.”

The group of adults and kids caravanned around town with a trailer and pickup truck filled with 100 boxes of food. First stop was a community of small clapboard homes not far from the casino. The kids worked in groups as they carried the boxes, knocked on doors and presented the turkeys. Smiles and even a stray tear were the thanks they received from the grateful recipients.

The next stop was a small apartment building followed by a row of duplexes. At every destination, people expressed surprise and gratitude.