Big Mama solicits donations for Thanksgiving

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WSVN) -- A South Florida woman is once again asking for the community's help for the upcoming holiday season.

Essie Reed, known to many as Big Mama, is doing what she does best: ensuring that those who are less fortunate have food for the holidays.

On Monday, Robert Lewin of 411 Pain gave Big Mama's Team of Life a $5,000 check, on behalf of his business. "This year, we're giving, in Broward County, $5,000. In West Palm, we're giving $3,000 to $5,000," said Lewin.

Big Mama exclaimed, "Wow!" as she kissed Lewin and his associate.

"What I hear today," Lewin continued, "Is we're going to have to give to Miami, because Big Mama's taking this on the road. She's going down to Miami, so we're going to support her down in Miami also. It's Big Mama. You don't say no to Big Mama."

Big Mama expressed her gratitude to Lewin and his company, but she stressed the dire need for more donations. "That would help Big Mama out a great [deal], but Big Mama is trying to feed 25,000 families, and these guys right here burst a big hole in [that goal]. But please help Big Mama. Help Big Mama. I need you," she said. "There should be no starving families in South Florida."

Last year, 7 News viewers helped to donate about 19,000 to Big Mama's Team of Life for needy families, and Big Mama hopes to see even more donations this year.

7 News viewer Lynne Eychner is one of the many who is glad to help out. "She's done this for so long, and I've read about it," said Eychner. "I'm just very, very touched by the fact that she's made a commitment, such a big commitment to this, and [has been] consistent for more than 30 years, I think. I feel the people that make that kind of commitment deserve the support."

On Nov. 18, Big Mama will begin to hand out turkeys to the families of children identified as being in need by the Broward County School District.

If you are interested in donating to Big Mama's cause, please visit http://www.bigmamahelp.com/.

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