Masses turn out for holiday basket vouchers

MIAMI (WSVN) -- Thousands of South Floridians hit hardest by the nation's economic woes braved the cold Wednesday for a chance to feed their families this holiday.

As part of the Latin Chamber of Commerce of the United State's (CAMACOL) 23rd annual holiday basket giveaway, representatives from the organization handed out food vouchers in the Little Havana neighborhood midday Wednesday.

In a scene reminiscent of the bread and soup lines from the Great Depression, the horde formed a city block-long line outside the ticket distribution center along West 22nd Avenue and Seventh Street.

Some of the desperate even slept overnight. "I've been waiting since [Tuesday] at 11 in the morning," said Marcela Castellanos.

Rene Montabero had her beat. "I've been here from [Tuesday] at 6:30 a.m. in the morning," he said.

Stunned by the large turnout, event organizers questioned their ability to satisfy those in attendance. "We had tickets for 3,000 families," said CAMACOL's Beatriz Gradera. "To be honest with you, I believe we have more people than we had last year, but hopefully we'll be able to help everyone that is here today."

Francisco Romero, who stood in line with his elderly mother, scored one of the prized purple vouchers for his children. "I'm happy, man," said the proud father. "Now my son is going to have food. I haven't given him pork in like in two months, you know, so now I can give him something."

While the ticket allocation came to a close around noon, the giveaway completes its final phase Dec. 17, at which time holders of the coveted vouchers are asked to return to the same location to redeem their purple stubs for one of the baskets.

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