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Food Giveaway Started By Homestead Man Helps Feed Thousands

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HOMESTEAD, Pa. (KDKA) -- What does it take to spread some holiday joy and food to about 12,000 people?

A team of dedicated volunteers, a bustling church basement and some leadership from one man with a huge heart.

Homestead giveaway
Photo Credit: Jeff Roupe/KDKA

For Joseph McCain, it's the hugs and gratitude that fuel this holiday mission. Outside Park Place AME Church in Homestead, a steady stream of families picked up donations Saturday.

Inside, a team of volunteers were hard at work making a difference.

McCain works for Consumer Fresh Produce. Six years ago, he came up with a plan and they said, according to McCain, "Go for it."

His plan involved assembling boxes that each contain 28 pounds of canned goods and fresh fruits and vegetables. The supplies should be able to feed a family of four for a week.

Homestead giveaway2
Photo Credit: Jeff Roupe/KDKA

For McCain, keeping people nourished started 22 years ago with keeping people warm.

"I passed out socks, gloves and hats to the homeless. I just buy them at the end of the wintertime, fill my car up and just drive all over the place, as far as Jeanette and all the way back. That's how I came up with this idea here," he said.

One man's mission of kindness is impacting thousands of families.

"Just wanted to give back, you know? Because a lot of people have given to me. That's why I wanted to do it," McCain said.

Six years ago, McCain's campaign fed 650 families. Today, 3,000 families received those boxes of food.

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