DeLuca Family Foundation Helps Fight Hunger Through Share Your Christmas Food Drive in Marion County

The holiday season is a time of generosity, reflection, and coming together as a community — and this year, that spirit was on full display in Marion County. On December 12, 2025, the DeLuca Family Foundation proudly sponsored the Share Your Christmas Food Drive, helping provide critical food support to local families in need.

Now in its 40th year, Share Your Christmas is the signature community outreach initiative of Orlando-based NBC affiliate WESH 2-TV, held in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. For four decades, the annual food drive has united communities across Central Florida around a common goal: ensuring that no family goes hungry during the holidays.

Addressing Food Insecurity in Central Florida

Food insecurity remains a serious challenge throughout Central Florida. According to the latest report from Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, 1 in 7 individuals in the region faces hunger, while 1 in 6 children lives in a household that is food insecure. These statistics highlight the ongoing need for local partnerships, community engagement, and sustained charitable efforts.

Events like Share Your Christmas play a vital role in closing the gap by providing immediate food assistance while raising awareness about hunger in our own neighborhoods.

A Growing Commitment to Marion County

“This is the seventh year we have served as the Marion County drop-off location,” said Frank DeLuca. “This year, we partnered with the Frank DeLuca YMCA as the new Marion County location. We are proud to donate $10,000 to help address food insecurity in our local community.” The 2025 food drive marked an important expansion of the partnership, with the Frank DeLuca YMCA serving as the new Marion County collection site. The YMCA’s central location and strong community presence helped increase visibility, participation, and local impact. Since the partnership was formed in 2018, Frank and Angela DeLuca have donated a total of $70,000 to support the Share Your Christmas campaign, demonstrating a long-term commitment to helping families facing hunger in Marion County.

Shared Mission, Lasting Impact

Leda Perez, executive director of the Frank DeLuca YMCA, emphasized how closely the food drive aligns with the YMCA’s mission.

“We all share the same mission — youth development, healthy living and social responsibility,” Perez said. “It’s all about serving the community.”

By working together, the DeLuca Family Foundation, WESH 2-TV, Second Harvest Food Bank, and the Frank DeLuca YMCA were able to amplify their collective impact and reach more families than ever before.

Community Generosity in Action

Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of residents, businesses, and volunteers, the 2025 Share Your Christmas Food Drive collected 8,234 pounds of food. All food and monetary donations remained in Marion County and will be distributed locally through Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, ensuring that support reaches families right here at home. Each donated item represents more than a meal — it represents hope, compassion, and a community that cares deeply for its neighbors.

Honoring 40 Years of Giving

In recognition of the event’s milestone anniversary, Marion County Commissioner Matt McClain presented WESH 2-TV with an official county proclamation. The proclamation formally designated December 12, 2025, as Share Your Christmas Day in Marion County, honoring four decades of service and community impact.

Looking Ahead

The DeLuca Family Foundation remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen families, uplift communities, and address critical needs such as food insecurity. As the Share Your Christmas tradition continues, the foundation is proud to stand alongside partners and volunteers who believe that everyone deserves access to nutritious food — especially during the holiday season.

Together, we are making a difference, one family, one meal, and one act of kindness at a time.