Michelle Patel, of Land O’ Lakes, is a mom on a mission. She is the founder of the nonprofit organization, Kids Helping Kids Pasco County Inc. For several years, she and her 8-year-old son, Kyran, packaged meals for a few food insecure families that they encountered online or in their neighborhood. A year ago, Patel decided to share her vision on Facebook, in hopes of helping more families in need at Thanksgiving. She was astonished at the community’s overwhelming response, which this year led to helping 89 families — totaling 451 people — across Pasco County. In addition to the Thanksgiving food drive, the organization also hosts a Christmas toy and clothing drive.
