Taking time to say thank you
To the editor:
We would be remiss if we did not take the time to thank Winn-Dixie for the Easter Holiday Food Drive for the Pine Island Food Pantry. Once again, the people of Pine Island, Matlacha and the isles, turned out to support us and make the day a wonderful success, last Saturday, April 16.
Dan Loughren and his Winn-Dixie personnel are the greatest. All day they were there for us to call on for help. They kept the hot dog cart supplied with hot dogs and cold soda for our hungry and thirsty supporters and Mel Brinson and staff, with Boy Scout Troop #20 worked the parking lot and washed a lot of dirty cars.
Dan Loughren had a supply of $10 Easter bags all pre-packed for purchasing by shoppers, fruit baskets and fresh flower bouquets for sale, a choice of wines and portable basketball hoop for the Food Pantry Raffle.
The Pantry raffle was a huge success and following is a list of donors and businesses who supported our fund raiser. We ask all islanders to support these individuals and businesses. All year they are called on for donations to help support the organizations of Pine Island and Matlacha. A sincere thank you to all of you for your continued generosity. Raffle items included: an original oil painting by Dot Nelson, watercolor print from Paisley Parrot, a variety of plants from Mango Tango, half-day boat rental from Monroe Canal Marina, gift certificate from York Road Marina, two oil changes from St. James Auto, breakfast for two from Island Cow, gift certificate from Woody’s, gift certificate from Earth and Spirit, gift certificate from Low Key Tiki, gift certificate from Island Dry Cleaning and Laundry, pitcher of beer a month for a year from Ragged Ass Saloon, bottle of Dunbonnet from Dr. Watson’s, gift certificate and canvas bag from Little Lilly’s Deli, stainless steel serrated edge knives from Old Pine Island Marina, gift certificate and box from Center of Attention Day Spa, Lamp from Gary Edwards, gift certificate from Cap’n Con’s, gift certificate from Alden Pines Golf, gift certificate from Belle’s Secret Spa, gift certificate from Angles Salon, gift bag from Four Wind’s Marina, gift certificate from Pine Island Cycle, cruise for two from Tropic Star, two gift certificates from Red’s Fresh Seafood House and Tavern, gift certificate from Island Grill and basketball hoop from Winn-Dixie.
Once again, a sincere thank you to everyone from the Pine Island Pantry Volunteers and the recipients of your generosity.
Barbara La Plante
Pine Island Food Pantry, treasurer