Local organizations partner for holiday dinner and toy drive

FORT MYERS, Fla. - A&M Detailing and Ambassadors for Christ are holding their 5th annual holiday dinner and toy drive on Friday at Roberto Clemente Park in Fort Myers.

• RELATED: Local designers host fashion show at Cape Coral auto detailing shop

The event aims to provide free toys and food for families in need during the holiday season.

Keny Charles is a co-owner of A&M detailing, a Cape Coral-based auto-detailing shop. He is also the vice-president of Ambassadors for Christ, a nonprofit organization based in Fort Myers that partners with local businesses to facilitate events to help those in need.

Charles said he came from a low-income background and that now that he is in a position to help the community, he wants to do so.

“I’m from Fort Myers. Growing up, we didn’t have a lot. My mom was a single parent, and coming from that background, you know how it is,” Charles said. “In the community, [there are] people that can’t have Christmas, or can’t put food on the table. This is why we’re doing what we do.”

Charles credits religion for his desire to help the community.

“I feel like I’m doing God’s work,” Charles said. “My purpose is to spread love, positivity and be there for the people that don’t have anything. I feel like God put me here to be doing this in the community.”

Monoah Cina is the president of Ambassadors for Christ. Cina said she is ready to take on the opportunity to unite the community regardless of income.

“I’m so excited because we get to come together and feed the community,” Cina said. “We get to feed those who are less fortunate, those who are homeless. Whether you have or don’t have, you get to come here and enjoy the unity with the families.”

Cina said that even if you don’t have money or toys, you still can help with the event.

“If they can’t provide toys, they can donate via Cash App, they can volunteer their hours,” Cina said. “We need a lot of people because even on Thanksgiving, we fed over 500 people, but I myself cannot do it alone. But if we have 20 people or 30 people helping pass out food, the more the merrier.”

The food and toy drive will begin on Friday at 1 p.m and will end when the food runs out. Click here for more information on the event.