‘It’s more than just food.’ How this Miami group has helped people for 50 years

The mighty goal for Branches this year is to deliver more than 6,000 Thanksgiving turkey dinners to people in need in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

And because no one should go hungry on Thanksgiving, the nonprofit needs help to increase that number.

“For 25 years, Branches has been honored to share the spirit of Thanksgiving with our neighbors in need,” said Brent McLaughlin, Branches’ President and CEO. “This year, thanks to our volunteers and supporters, we’ll deliver over 6,000 meals. But it’s about more than just food. It’s about fostering hope, building community, and reminding families that they are not alone.”

The history of Branches is one of others stepping in and stepping up.

In 2023, the nonprofit rebranded its logo to read “Branches Trish & Dan Bell Family Empowerment Centers” to honor the couple for nearly $9 million in support over 19 years.

In 2024, Branches was one of six nonprofits in Miami-Dade to receive $2 million in unrestricted funds from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. It was chosen for being one of the “community led organizations and groups met with discrimination and other obstacles” in a statement from Scott’s Yield Giving campaign.

Branches was also named a 2024 Citi Community Progress Makers grantee, receiving $1 million over three years.

And for over 50 years, volunteers have been at the heart of the nonprofit, established by the United Methodist Church in 1973 to address social issues and injustices in the Miami area.

The name hasn’t always been Branches. It has evolved, rebranding from Miami Urban Ministries to South Florida Urban Ministries, and then Branches.

But it always has had giving and helping as the mission — and resilence, too.

Branches went through a massive fire that destroyed its building and a new playground in 2010. But a large tent was set up the next day so services to the community were never interrupted.

And it’s been through the devastation of hurricanes. In 2017, when Hurricane Irma hit South Florida, Branches responded immediately and opened its sites right after the storm to serve families — including contacting FEMA to help with emergency relief and providing hot meals.

The nonprofit also offered a children’s “Hurricane Shade Camp” so parents could focus on getting their homes and lives back together after Irma.

When the COVID-19 pandemic locked down the Miami community, Branches volunteers responded by cooking meals, and providing virtual tutoring and Zoom financial coaching.

Its main mission is “to partner with families to build educational and financial assets, community and hope.” And the vision is that “all children thrive and families achieve through financial wellness.”

Branches even offers a volunteer tax preparation program through which volunteers can become IRS-certified to help prepare local members’ taxes.

Other programs include helping students from elementary school to young adults with homework through “Grow, Climb, Achieve”; meal serving; creating care packages; and working on its site projects. Branches also encourages AmeriCorps volunteers to get involved.

There are locations in Florida City, South Miami and Lakeview in North Miami.

The nonprofit also has a different type of toy giving program during the December holidays.

“Under the Tree Toy Shops,” Dec. 16-18 at all three locations, empower parents to be involved in the giving. They can select new toys that they purchase at 90 percent off while enjoying holiday music and treats. After shopping for their children, parents can have each present wrapped by Branches volunteers and staff. It’s been a tradition since 2016.

And as Thanksgiving nears, Branches volunteers are getting ready. They hope others can join them, through donations or helping on the day.

“Preparing meals for a few hours on Thanksgiving morning is a gift you give to those in need in our community,” said Audrey Otero, a Thanksgiving meal delivery volunteer at Branches Trish & Dan Bell Family Empowerment Centers.

“Branches does an amazing job with its volunteers at the different locations to prepare 6,000 meals on a day to be thankful for each other,” she said.

How to help

Learn more: www.branchesfl.org

Volunteer: volunteer@branchesfl.org or call 305-442-8306 x1010

Needed for Thanksgiving: Instant mashed potatoes, boxed instant stuffing, cranberry sauce and gravy. Dropoff deadline is Nov. 3. Dropoff on weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Branches at 11500 NW 12th Ave., Miami.

Sponsorship: Contact Sarah Reilly at sreilley@branchesfl.org or at 305-442-8306 x3003

More about Under the Tree Toy Shops: www.branchesfl.org/2025toyshops All toys needed by Dec. 15.

This story was originally published September 30, 2025 at 1:36 PM.