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Community Cooperative Seeks Help This Thanksgiving

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Community Cooperative Seeks Help This Thanksgiving

FORT MYERS, Fla. (November 12, 2024) – With Thanksgiving just around the corner, Community Cooperative is once again providing vital support to local families and individuals in need through its Full Plates Project initiative. Already underway, the program aims to ensure that no one in the community goes without a holiday meal by distributing Thanksgiving Family Meal Kits and holiday meals in Sam’s Community Café and through the Meals on Wheels program. With rising demand and increasing food costs, Community Cooperative is calling on the community to help by donating turkeys, non-perishable food items and monetary contribution.

The Full Plates Project initiative provides families and individuals with all the items needed for a traditional Thanksgiving meal, including a turkey, sides and desserts. The goal is to ease the burden of food insecurity during the holiday season, allowing families to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner without having to worry about how to put food on the table.

“Every year, we are grateful for the outpouring of support from southwest Florida, but the need this year is greater than ever and we need help,” said Stefanie Ink Edwards, CEO of Community Cooperative. “Thanksgiving is a time for connection and gratitude, and our Full Plates Project initiative is all about ensuring that every person in our community has the opportunity to celebrate with a meal. But we can’t do it alone—we need the help of our neighbors to make sure every plate is full.”

The program is currently accepting donations of turkey’s, non-perishable food items, including canned vegetables, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and dessert mixes. Additionally, monetary donations are greatly appreciated, as they allow Community Cooperative to purchase fresh food items like turkeys, potatoes, and other essentials to complete the meal kits.

“Your support, whether it’s a monetary donation or a can of green beans, makes a real difference for families facing hunger this Thanksgiving,” said Stefanie Ink Edwards. “These meals are more than just food—they represent hope, dignity, and the kindness of a community that comes together to care for its own, especially during the holidays.”

Every donation is crucial and allows Community Cooperative to purchase food, sustain emergency food 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