Florida Gov. Rick Scott was in Miami Wednesday to help distribute Christmas food baskets to needy South Florida families.
Despite already having vouchers and a guaranteed meal, a massive line formed overnight outside the Little Havana offices of CAMACOL, the Latin American Chamber of Commerce.
Hundreds Camp Out for Food Basket Vouchers
Some said they had been waiting in line since Saturday to be among the first to get their meal basket.
"We got here during the day Saturday, we did a lot of rotations, I would stay at night and my people came during the day," said Juanita Alvarez, who was one of the first in line.
About 3,000 vouchers were given out earlier this month by CAMACOL to receive the baskets, which contain about $150 worth of food.
The baskets were distributed beginning at 9 a.m. Scott was joined by former Gov. Jeb Bush in handing out the food.
"It's really one of the great events in Miami, just in terms of a spirit of generosity, which is what the Christmas season should be about," Bush said.
"We have something tragic that happened in Connecticut this week with these families that lost their loved ones, these children, and the adults and teachers, and your heart goes out to all of them, but this is what America is and clearly this is what Florida is about we take care of each other," Scott said.
"It will be great because Christmas Eve or Christmas Day I will cook this meal for my family and my friends too and everybody's grateful," Alvarez said.
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Brittany Garcia, 17, waited in line with her family. She also expressed gratitude for the meal.
"It gives me some security that I'll have food on the table at Christmastime," Garcia said.
