Big Mama needs help gathering turkeys

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WSVN) -- With just a few days left before Thanksgiving, a woman dear to all our hearts is make a big plea for help.

We're talking about Essie Reed or "Big Mama." Usually, this time of year, her pantry at her Team of Life charity center in Fort Lauderdale is filled with food to donate to needy families in the neighborhood. But, with less than a week to go until Thanksgiving, there is still a long way to go for the neighborhood philanthropist.

Hundreds of families have gathered at the Central Broward Regional Park to pick up their Thanksgiving meals from Big Mama. "We are going to make it the best, and as we share it at the table, and pray that this was given to us," said mother Pascha Kelly, "and you don't take it for granted and be thankful for whatever you get."

Kelly, a mother of six said it's an amazing feeling to know someone is giving back. "It's a special moment because, at times, parents can't afford, like me, a single parent, with six kids, so I think this is a blessing," she said.

Students from more than 60 schools will be receiving food, but Big Mama said, "We are still short. So far, extra came in at 108, but we are still short," she said.

Tears stream down her cheeks as she scans over the empty shelves in her center. "I'm more than a little sad," said Big Mama. "I'm a little hurt because, by now, if you look around here, at my center here, there's not supposed to be one walking space, a little pathway where we can walk through. Big Mama don't have those turkeys."

Big Mama said she needs the support of Channel 7 viewers. "I can't do it without the Channel 7 viewers. You can bring it out to the park at Broward Regional Park on the corner of Sunrise and 441. Just ask where is Big Mama," she said.

Her door is open to anyone who wants to deliver in person. 7News will be at her side all night long as the community-- hopefully-- steps up.

So the final push is on to feed some hungry families. If you can help, visit Big Mama's website: http://www.bigmamahelp.com/.

(Copyright 2012 by Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)