Local family grateful for holiday meal

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) -- They were one of thousands of South Florida families who lined up earlier this month, hoping for something, many take for granted. And thanks to several local organizations, they're enjoying a happy holiday.

All the fixings for a good night's feast."I'm gonna put my own gravy cause this gravy is delicious," said Alvarez.

Juanita Alvarez and family gathered for a tradition celebrated by many Hispanic Americans this Christmas Eve, Noche Buena.

But for Alavarez, this meal was no guarantee. "I have to be thankful to Camacol," said Alvarez. "Chamber of Commerce, thank you, thank you and thank you forever."

Alvarez was one of 3,000 residents who waited for hours, some days, outside the Latin American Chamber of Commerce in Little Havana, to recieve a free food basket earlier this month.

Many of those stood and sat patiently, just to have food to serve for family and friends, the night before Christmas. "The economic problems that we've been going through, we don't have enough money or food stamps to really purchase a good meal. We don't have that."

That's where several organizations stepped in providing almost everything served at Juanita's Noche Buena dinner.

Just one of the many reasons she's grateful this holiday season. "I'm so grateful," said Alvarez. "I'm really grateful for my family and my family will enjoy it."

And as for where the food for next year's feast will likely come from, Alvarez already knows. "I will do it again next year," she said. "I will be in that line, waiting all those days, it doesn't matter. I'll be there."

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