Thousands To Receive Free Holiday Meal Vouchers Wednesday

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LITTLE HAVANA (CBSMiami) – Patience will pay off on Wednesday for the long line of folks who have been camping out for a bit of holiday help.

The pre-holiday tradition in Little Havana is known as the Latin American Chamber of Commerce annual holiday food basket giveaway.

The line actually started to form before Thanksgiving.

"We were the first five people that have been here in the line," said Juanita Alvarez. "We started November the 20th."

The line isn't for the food, simply the voucher that will be turned in later for the food.

One man told CBS4 on Thanksgiving night, "Night and day, I live here. I have my corner here."

CAMACOL started this tradition of handing out Christmas dinner for families 31 years ago.

Approximately 3,000 vouchers will be handed out starting Wednesday morning at 8:00 a.m.

"I'll be partying, putting my hands together," said Alvarez, imagining the moment she gets her voucher.  "I'll be happy because I made it."

Those who received the vouchers will come back on Wednesday, December 14th, to pick up the holiday food basket filled with a complete "Latin-styled" holiday dinner including rice, beans, yucca, bread, refreshments, a pork shoulder, spices, sugar, milk and other essential items.

There's enough food in the basket for up to 10 people to enjoy a traditional "Noche Buena" meal.