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Florida Families Camp Out For Days To Get Free Holiday Meals

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- People have been camping out for days on end in Little Havana, just for a chance for their families to have a holiday meal.

On December 3rd, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce passed out three thousand vouchers for holiday meals that are worth about $120 and feeds a family of four.

The giveaway starts at 7 o'clock on Wednesday morning.

Click here to watch Travell Eiland's report. 

The line for this year's Camacol holiday gift basket giveaway wrapped around the block near Northwest 1st Street and 14th Avenue on Tuesday evening.

For the past four nights that street corner has been Juanita Alvarez's camp site and she is not the first person in line.

"I got here Friday morning," said Alvarez.

The crowd of people were bundled up, covered up and had pillows by their sides, as they waited to claim the free Christmas meal. Camping out in chairs makes for some uncomfortable nights but it's a sacrifice many have to make.

"Without this I can not make it," said Alvarez. "Its worth it though. It's worth it...because you get to eat with your family," said Julio Mendez. His family had come out to get the meal for several years.

To help pass the time the people in line played games like dominoes and make new friends. The families are grateful for the much needed support.

"It feels good to know there are people out there that still care about a poor community," said Ivette Garcia.

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