The “Let’s Feed Collier” food drive, held at 19 Publix Super Markets in Collier County, and “Let’s Feed Charlotte” food drive, held at eight Publix Super Markets in Charlotte County, brought in a preliminary estimate of 24,000 pounds of food to support the Harry Chapin Food Bank and its partner agencies.
The food drive was the result of a partnership between the food bank and Publix to bring in some of the most-needed items for the 35 partner agencies the food bank serves in Collier County, and 29 partner agencies the food bank serves in Charlotte County. Participants were able to purchase most-needed items for food bank clients, using a shopping list given out by food drive volunteers, and donate the items as they left the store.
“We are very grateful for the outpouring of support from Publix stores and their customers today,” said Richard LeBer, food bank president and CEO. “This is a unique campaign and the largest of its kind in these communities. Everywhere we went today, we were greeted with smiles and generosity. What a caring community we live in!”
A final total should be ready early next week.