DELTONA | Diana Blanco is a Vincentian experienced in helping Deltona residents, but the proximity of Hurricanes Helene and Milton have exacerbated the needs of her community. Together St. Vincent de Paul Society at Our Lady of the Lakes Parish worked with Catholic Charities of Central Florida to offer tarps, water and ready-to-eat meals to more than 500 families, Oct. 14.

“We had a lot of flooding and power outages. Deltona had still not recovered from Hurricane Helene when Milton came,” Blanco said. “I’m getting so many calls. I can’t keep up.”

Areas of Deltona, like Stone Island which sits on the St. John’s River, still have no water. Others have no electricity. Blanco said many in need are landscapers and day laborers who lost work during the hurricane days.

More than 200 cars came through the food drop at Our Lady of the Lakes, many of whom had two to four families needing assistance. And most of those families included six to eight family members. Considering many people had no electricity or internet to get news of the drop, Blanco was glad they could meet the needs of so many. The parish is still distributing ready-to-eat meals and water. Vincentians made personal deliveries Oct. 15, to those without transportation. Blanco said the help of Knights of Columbus Council 6584 was indispensable.

“We’re not just talk. We’re showing the face of Christ to our community,” Blanco said. “If I can be that and see a little piece of Christ inside everyone, that is why I am here. I am here to serve.”

The pantry at Our Lady of Lakes serves residents of Deltona, Lake Helen, Osteen and Enterprise. Call ahead for an appointment at 386-320-3453.

By Glenda Meekins of the Florida Catholic staff, October 17, 2024