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Community Cooperative’s Holiday Outreach Brings Joy to over 60 Families & Seniors with Adopt-a-Family and Adopt-a-Senior Initiatives

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Community Cooperative’s Holiday Outreach Brings Joy to over 60 Families & Seniors with Adopt-a-Family and Adopt-a-Senior Initiatives

FORT MYERS, Fla. (December 26, 2024) – Thanks to the unwavering generosity of the Southwest Florida community, Community Cooperative’s annual Holiday Outreach program successfully ‘adopted’ over 30 families from their Building Stronger Families program and close to 30 seniors from their Meals on Wheels program. These individuals were specifically identified based on the needs observed by case workers and Meals on Wheels volunteers, ensuring they received the support they needed this holiday season. The Holiday Outreach initiative allowed community members, organizations, and businesses to sponsor local families and seniors who may be lonely or facing financial hardship, ensuring they have access to a joyful, fulfilling holiday season. Participants in the program received gifts, holiday meals, and other essential items that bring comfort and care during what can be a difficult time for many.

“We are incredibly grateful to our community partners, volunteers, and supporters who helped make this holiday outreach a success,” said Stefanie Ink Edwards, Chief Executive Officer of Community Cooperative. “The support we have received this year has been overwhelming, and it is heartwarming to see so many people coming together to make the holidays a little brighter for those who need it most.”

“I never thought I would find myself in this situation, but thanks to Community Cooperative, my family will have gifts this Christmas. It means the world to us, and it is comforting to know we are not alone,” says a Building Stronger Families client.

The success of Community Cooperative’s Holiday Outreach program exemplifies the deep-rooted compassion and sense of community that exists within Southwest Florida. Community Cooperative is thankful for all who contributed and support their mission of ending hunger and homelessness in Southwest Florida.

About Building Stronger Families

Building Stronger Families is a social services program that aims to guide families towards stability and self-reliance, while also reducing enrollment fluctuations within educational institutions and fostering a sense of normalcy among children.

About Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels, a program of Community Cooperative, provides nutritious, home-delivered meals to seniors and individuals in need across Southwest Florida. Focused on supporting health, independence, and well-being, the program ensures homebound clients receive balanced meals while offering social connection and community support. With the help of dedicated volunteers and supporters, Meals on Wheels enhances the quality of life for those who need it most.

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