• Community Cooperative Launches Annual Thanksgiving Outreach- Full Plates Project 2024

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Community Cooperative Launches Annual Thanksgiving Outreach- Full Plates Project 2024

    FORT MYERS, Fla. (November 11, 2024) – Community Cooperative is calling on community neighbors as they announce the annual launch of the Full Plates Project for 2024, a vital initiative aimed at providing Thanksgiving meal kits and hot meals to families in need. They are seeking the generous support of the community through donations and partnerships to ensure no plate will be empty this Thanksgiving.

    In Southwest Florida, one in six people faces the harsh reality of hunger and food insecurity. It is heartbreaking to see children, seniors, veterans, and families forced to choose between putting food on their tables or managing everyday living expenses like rent and medications. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated; as inflation rises and living costs soar, the need for support is more desperate than ever. Many families are grappling with difficult choices, and the prospect of a Thanksgiving meal is a luxury that feels out of reach.

    For 40 years, Community Cooperative has served as a beacon of hope, especially during the holidays, providing essential support to those in need. This Thanksgiving, the organization invites the community to join in its mission. With collective efforts, they can ensure that every family has the opportunity to gather around the table and share a nourishing meal—an opportunity that is slipping away for many.

    “As we approach this season of gratitude, let us remember that our neighbors need our help,” said Stefanie Ink Edwards, Chief Executive Officer of Community Cooperative. “Every donation, no matter how small, makes a monumental difference, and together we can ensure that every family enjoys a Thanksgiving meal. We invite everyone in our community to be a part of our efforts by getting involved.”

    How to ensure there are no empty plates this Thanksgiving:

    1. Sponsor a Thanksgiving Family Meal Kit: This sponsorship provides a complete Thanksgiving family meal kit, including a Turkey, sides and all the basics to provide a Thanksgiving meal to a family in need. While $50 sponsors a Thanksgiving Family Meal Kit, any amount you can contribute will help support our Full Plates Project.
    2. Donate a Thanksgiving Family Meal Kit: Include all the basics to feed a family of four with a festive Thanksgiving meal kit.
    3. Organize a food drive: Gather your business, organization, or friends to host a food drive and collect essential items for a delicious Thanksgiving meal—every bit helps to fill plates and hearts.
    4. Donate any Thanksgiving food items: Donate multiple items so Community Cooperative can make the Thanksgiving family meal kit full of items needed to make a Thanksgiving meal.

    Every donation is crucial and allows Community Cooperative to purchase food, sustain meal programs and provide hope to families who are fighting to put food on the table.  Together, we can ensure no plate is empty this Thanksgiving. For more information on the Full Plates Project 2024 and how to donate, please visit www.CommunityCooperative.com/donate/full-plates-project/.

    About Community Cooperative

    Since 1984, Community Cooperative has worked to effectively eliminate hunger and homelessness in southwest Florida while simultaneously inspiring and supporting sustained positive change in its clients by delivering innovative food, education, and social service programs. With a dedicated team of volunteers, board of directors and staff, Community Cooperative stays committed to its core responsibility to collect and distribute resources through a strong and viable network of community partners. Community Cooperative is an exemplary steward of the resources entrusted to it and serves clients with compassion and integrity. Through collaboration and ongoing education, Community Cooperative supports and strengthens those whose lives have been affected by hunger and homelessness, ensuring that they have access to the resources necessary to transform their lives with dignity.

    Media Contact: Aliyah Santana, Social Media & Marketing Coordinator, Aliyah@communitycooperative.com or call (239) 332-7687 ext. 105

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