Winn-Dixie food drive raises almost $4,000
Effort benefits Pine Island Food Pantry
Pine Island Winn-Dixie store manager Dan Loughren never gets tired of thanking his faithful customers for feeding the hungry. On Saturday, Oct. 9, there was a one-day food drive at his store for the Pine Island Food Pantry, totaling just under $4,000 in grocery items. Although they had sold some of the food bags before the event, the bulk of the food was sold in just that one day.
“I want to thank our generous customers for such a successful food drive. I want to thank so many others, such as Karen Durand and the Pine Island Food Pantry staff for all their help coordinating the event, the Pine Island Fire Department because they delivered the food to the Food Pantry and the Brothers Van Kirk of Strange Arrangement, for the entertainment that they donated,” Loughren said.
The Van Kirks, said Loughren, are no strangers to giving of themselves with cheerful attitudes.
Holiday food bags, he said, will be on sale through Christmas, and he thanks everyone for keeping the hungry in mind throughout the holiday season.
Taking care of islanders is one of Loughren’s goals and something for which he feels a great deal of pride.
“It’s always good to keep it on the island when we can,” Loughren said.
The Pine Island Winn-Dixie store is located at 9864 Stringfellow Road, south of the Center, in St James City. For more information, please call 239-283-4404.