To the editor:

As the winter season begins to come to a close and our northern friends and neighbors start to think of their journey to their northern homes, it’s time to clean out the extra cans of soups and vegetables and non-perishable items that you have on your shelves.

The Pine Island Food Pantry would like to remind you that those items can be put to good use in the Island Food Pantry. Many of you have returned to your homes in the north before the U.S. Postal Food Drive takes place here on the island and miss out on the opportunity to share those “extra” items with those in need of help.

So, if you have some “extras” to share, please drop them at our island drop off points, or at the Food Pantry, at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, in the parish Life Center. Pantry hours are 9 to 11 a.m. every Monday and Thursday mornings.

Following is a list of drop-off points on the island:

Winn-Dixie, Matlacha Post Office, American Legion, VFW, Jackie’s Restaurant, the Moose Lodge, Century 21 and Southwest Capital Bank.

With the sincere thanks of all of our volunteers at the Pine Island Food Pantry and the recipients of your generosity, we wish you a safe trip to your northern homes and look forward to your return to Pine Island in the future.

Sincerely,

Barbara La Plante

Pine Island Food Pantry treasurer