Terry Torrens delivers meals to Osceola County Health Department for an OUC-sponsored “Hats Off to Our Hometown Healthcare Heroes” event.

OUC employees recently showed their support for community organizations impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

On April 17, Terry Torrens, Senior Legislative Representative, led an OUC-sponsored “Hats Off to Our Hometown Healthcare Heroes” event. Torrens, St. Cloud Mayor Nathan Blackwell and Osceola County Commissioner Fred Hawkins Jr. delivered 234 meals to the Osceola County Health Department.

Local favorite Jimmy Bear’s BBQ in St. Cloud prepared pulled pork, barbecue chicken, baked beans, slaw, bread and homemade banana pudding for county healthcare workers. The restaurant also discounted prices to help out with costs.

“We are very grateful for the recognition OUC gave our healthcare workers,” said Bret Smith, Assistant Director of the Osceola County Health Department. “This is a nice pat on the back.”

Also in April, Queen Massaline, Senior Community Relations Coordinator, represented OUC as she delivered bottles of H2OUC to New Image Youth Center volunteers. The center has been providing food and care packages to youth and families living in the Parramore neighborhood, as well as anyone else in need.

Kevin Noonan, Director of Legislative Affairs, distributed bottles of H2OUC at the Northwest Community Center food drive on March 28. OUC, Second Harvest Food Bank, Catholic Charities of Central Florida, City of Orlando Parks and Recreation and Coca Cola partnered for the drive, which fed more than 400 families.

Gregg Sampson, Sr. Community Relations Coordinator, distributes food to Orange County Walmart employees.

In early May, OUC organized a Thank You Food Tour for essential workers in the Central Florida community. Local restaurants Voodoo Kitchen Food Truck, The Catfish Place and Canoe Creek Sports Tavern partnered with OUC to provide meals for nearly 400 grocery workers in Orange and Osceola counties.

“Small businesses, especially local restaurants – we know they’ve been struggling, so we thought, let’s use them to provide a nice lunch and say thank you,” said Torrens.