Coral Springs sisters bring holiday cheer by providing free Christmas meals to families in need across the community
Coral Springs, Florida – In a season defined by giving and gratitude, two Coral Springs sisters are turning their cherished family tradition into a lifeline for local families facing holiday hardships. Kayla Kaydas and her sister Kristy Tavano have spent months quietly helping neighbors with meals, but this year their efforts have grown into a community-wide initiative that promises to make Christmas brighter for dozens of families in need.
Inspired by their own Christmas Eve ritual of chicken cutlets and pasta, Kaydas and Tavano are preparing free, ready-to-cook holiday dinners that capture the warmth and familiarity of a traditional family celebration. The meals will be distributed from 3 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21, at Running Brook Hills Park in Coral Springs, providing both sustenance and a sense of normalcy during what can be a stressful season for many households.
“I’ve been cooking meals a few times a week for people to pick up,” Kaydas said. “This is just the first time we’re doing something this big, and specifically for Christmas.” Her sister Tavano, inspired by Kaydas’ consistent generosity, suggested expanding the effort. “I wanted to contribute and do it on a bigger scale because it’s the holidays,” Tavano said. “So many people are overwhelmed, financially, physically, emotionally. If we can help in a small way, why not?”
Each meal is designed to feed a family of four and includes frozen homemade chicken cutlets prepared in the style the sisters grew up enjoying, along with pasta, sauce, salad, dressing, crescent rolls, and pre-made cookie dough for baking cookies for Santa. “We wanted it to feel like a real holiday meal,” Tavano said. “Something that lets families keep those traditions, even if things are hard right now.”
The logistics of distributing the meals are carefully thought out. Families must reserve meals in advance via Facebook direct message to Kaydas, and can request up to two meals per household. Distribution at a public park, rather than a private home, makes the pickup process easier and more accessible for families.
Initially, the sisters planned to fund between 20 and 50 meals out of pocket. However, once they shared their initiative online, donations poured in. “We priced everything out really carefully,” Kaydas said. “But since posting, we’ve already received enough donations to cover 24 meals.” Many contributions came from strangers moved by the sisters’ mission. “I’ll just get a Zelle or Venmo with a note that says ‘holiday meal donation,’” Kaydas added. “It’s been really, really nice.”
The project is also a family affair. Both sisters are working parents—Kaydas is a paralegal who works from home, while Tavano works for the city. They have enlisted their own children to help assemble meals, teaching them the value of giving back. “We grew up with a big Italian grandma who fed everyone,” Tavano said. “Getting our kids involved is important. It teaches them that when you’re able to give back, you should.”
For Kaydas, the initiative has deeper roots in observing local struggles. “I kept seeing moms, especially single moms, just asking for food,” she said. “I’m lucky to have a village. Not everyone does. If I can turn a few dollars into a solid meal for a family, why wouldn’t I?”
The sisters are determined to continue preparing as many meals as donations allow. They encourage families who may benefit, or anyone who knows someone in need, to reach out. “This time of year is hectic for parents,” Tavano said. “Sometimes just having everything handed to you all in one bag makes a huge difference.”
Running Brook Hills Park, located at 10191 NW 39th Court, will serve as the distribution point. Meals must be reserved in advance through Facebook direct message to Kayla Kaydas. With their combined efforts, the sisters have created a new holiday tradition—one that brings comfort, connection, and hope to families across Coral Springs, ensuring that even in challenging times, the spirit of giving continues to shine.
This heartwarming initiative highlights how small acts of generosity, fueled by tradition and community spirit, can ripple outward to touch countless lives during the holiday season, reminding everyone that sometimes the greatest gifts are meals shared with care, compassion, and love.
