Boxing champ helping with Thanksgiving

A couple of weeks ago, O'Shaquie Foster was handing a knock-out to Rocky Hernandez to retain his World Boxing Council title. On Saturday, Orange's boxing hero will be handing out turkeys to families who need help with cooking a Thanksgiving feast.

The Orange native has twice won the WBC super-featherweight title against different opponents this year. He has been donating his time to recognize his hometown at different events.

Saturday, November 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., he will be helping the non-profit group Just A-Lil Help. The group will be giving away food to help make a family-size Thanksgiving dinner, and the food will include a turkey.

Just A-Lil Help president, Terrie Salter, who is also on the Orange City Council, said Foster will be personally handing out the turkeys. He will pose for photographs and give autographs.

The give-away will be at the St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 505 15th Street, the site of the former WO-C CISD administration building. Salter said people getting food will park at the building and go inside for their food.

Local businesses and groups, including the new Golden Triangle Polymers, have donated 3,900 non-perishable foods. Volunteers will assist families to get the canned and dried foods in an assembly line-style method.

After picking up food, people will then go back outside to their cars and drive away, leaving room for others.

"This event is not just about turkeys, it is about bringing families and friends together for a day of fun and gratitude. It is about spreading holiday cheer and make sure before you depart that you view the sponsor banner to see all the wonderful companies who made the event possible," Salter said in a press release.