Changing Lives of Boca Raton Helps Those In Need During The Pandemic

Changing Lives of Boca Raton, Inc. Partners Provides “Buckets Of Love” To Help The Neediest During The Pandemic 

During the pandemic, people have banded together to provide massive amounts of groceries to the public by drive-through giveaway events. However, the neediest among us, the ever-increasing number of homeless people, are not being served.

Therefore, a group of nonprofit local organizations and businesses decided to join forces with Changing Lives of Boca Raton, Inc., a 501C3 non-profit founded by James Batmasian, owner of Investments Limited, a real estate firm headquartered in Boca Raton, to provide support for those experiencing homelessness in this time of COVID-19.

Thanks to all the volunteers who came to help, they distributed breakfast, lunch, food to go, and “Buckets of Love” consisting of toiletries, masks, snacks, and cosmetics.

The event location was originally scheduled at the outdoor parking lot of First United Methodist Church, 625 NE Mizner Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432 on  July 18th, 2020. However, due to inclement weather, Pastor Marcus Zillman allowed them to use The Gathering Place. Without his kindhearted help, they would have been forced to cancel the distribution of the pre-made “Buckets of Love” and to-go food services for all those who are already suffering hunger and living on the streets.

Special thanks go to the following nonprofit organizations and businesses for all their efforts to help the underprivileged community of Boca Raton:

• Rev. Tony Neal and Tiffany Paterson of HOMELESS HEARTS FOOD INTERNATIONAL
  • Wayne Barton of WAYNE BARTON STUDY CENTER
  • Ray Rapaglia of THE JAMES CLUB
  • Jeanne Lewis of SHOWERING LOVE
  • Kristie Messer of ON MY OWN
  • PROJECT CARE – A sister organization of Homeless Heats from Vidalia, Georgia
  • Ms. Banu of IMG HEALTH CLINIC
  • Shay of SHAY’S KITCHEN AND CATERING COMPANY
  • Johnny and Sherry Palmer of J.H.A.A.N.D.
  • Shakka Kent of SIMPLY HEALTH CARE
  • Rev. Charles Cocklin of BREAKING CHAINS
  • Dr. Aarthur of HOMELESS HEARTS, HARBOUR VIEW HOUSE, AND THE SANCTUARY CHURCH – Arthur Kanev
  • VICE BARBER SHOP and NEW ERA BARBERSHOP
  • SANBORN CAFE
  • ZUCO JUICES

Florida Representative Mike Caruso, the City of Boca Raton, the Boca Raton Police Department, and Investments Limited contributed to the success of this special distribution event. Their compassion towards those in need are very important to help transform individual lives and our communities, and remind us that everyone has a vital role to play in combating homelessness – State, County, Cities, community providers, the business sector, academic institutions, foundations, faith-based organizations, and the community at large.

The event always followed the CDC and Palm Beach County guidelines during the duration of the distribution of food and essential items. Facial Coverings were mandatory for all attendees including volunteers, except while actively consuming food and beverage. Volunteers enforced the usage of masks by patrolling the premises and all participants were asked to wear a facial covering when entering, exiting, while at their assigned chairs, and when visiting the restroom. Hand sanitizer, masks, and gloves were provided as well.

Volunteers reminded all event participants to practice Social Distancing. Even while wearing facial coverings, all participants were required to maintain six feet of social distancing, including while waiting to be served food and given a “Bucket of Love”.

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