Help those in need this holiday season at the Pine Island Winn-Dixie
This year more than ever, families are finding they have to make sacrifices just to make ends meet. This for some means cutting back on luxuries while others struggle to find the funds to provide the next meal for their families.
Recognizing this growing need, the Pine Island Winn-Dixie will host the 3rd Annual Food Drive to help ensure that families and individuals will not go without this holiday season.
“I would like to thank in advance all of our generous customers as I know they will come through for the community this year as they have done in the past,” said store manager, Dan Loughren. “The need is greater than ever this year and it is our goal to raise $5,000 in donations to help make sure everyone has a happy holiday season.”
The annual Food Drive will take place at the island Winn-Dixie on Saturday, Nov. 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the store staff and volunteers will offer a variety of ways to encourage shoppers to make a donation to the food drive.
“My staff will be selling hot dogs and soda for a $1 donation as part of the drive,” Loughren said. “Inside and outside of the store will be special vendor displays with special pricing and we also will be offering some raffles and other incentives as well.”
According to Loughren, the most sought after raffle prize is a two-day stay at the Tarpon Lodge in Pineland.
Feeding the hungry this holiday season has fallen solely to the pantry as even the organization FISH has fallen victim to the economy.
“Due to some financial setbacks, this year the Food Pantry is taking over the Thanksgiving Food Brigade normally conducted by FISH,” said pantry treasurer, Barb La Plante. “It will be up to us to furnish Thanksgiving and Christmas food this year and this function will go a long way to helping supply the necessary funds and food to accomplish this.”
Winn-Dixie also will offer free balloons to all of the children attending the event and for those who would like to simplify their donation to the pantry they can purchase a prepackaged donation.
“My staff has filled 200 food bags filled with holiday dinner items that will be on sale for just $10 so those who want to help can just pick up a bag, bring it to a register and then drop it in a donation box,” said Loughren.
Saturday for many people is errand day and here some will be able to do two chores in one stop. Those visiting the Winn-Dixie parking lot can also get their car washed by the Pine Island Scout Troop #20 for a donation to the food drive.
“You can help feed the hungry of Pine Island and Matlacha for the upcoming holidays. Just shop Winn-Dixie’s bargains and monetary donations and donations of can goods and non-perishable items will be accepted, because no one should go hungry,” said La Plante. “Do your shopping and remember those in need. Check out Dan’s special Winn-Dixie pantry bags, with all the fixings for a family holiday dinner, so we urge everyone to join the fun, bring your kids and dirty cars and have a great time.”
All donations during the food drive will go directly to the Pine Island Food Pantry to serve the pantry clients through the holiday season.