An estimated 150 families will have food this week, thanks to the Cape Coral Community Foundation, the Bonefish Grill, and those who attended the joint fund raiser to benefit the Cape Coral Caring Center.

Thanks to an outpouring of support, the Cape Coral Community Foundation was able to donate a check for $6,500 to the food bank in Cape Coral.

The donation is enough to provide four or five days of food for that many families.

It’s a record year at the center, with more people than ever seeking assistance, officials said this week.

To date, more than 10,000 people have been provided with food, with an estimated 60 tons distributed to those in need.

Last year, the total was 53 tons, according to executive director Fred Cull.

We thank the Community Foundation and the Bonefish Grill for their efforts and we thank those who turned out to make the fund raiser a success.

More help is needed, and we ask those we can, to help the Caring Center with its mission to see that no Cape resident goes to bed hungry.

The Cape Coral Caring Center Web site, http://www.capecoralcaringcenter.org, lists three ways we can help our neighbors: make a monetary donation, make a donation of food or personal care items, or hold a food drive.

To make a monetary donation, send check or money order to:

Cape Coral Caring Center

4645 SE 15th Avenue

Cape Coral, FL  33904

Donations are tax deductible and donors will receive an acknowledgment for tax purposes.

Food donations and deliveries are welcome as well. They are accepted Monday to Friday from 9 am to noon (no holidays) at the back door; just ring the door bell. For large deliveries or pick-ups, call (239) 945-1927. According to the Web site, the following items are especially welcome:

Cereal

Jelly (grape and strawberry, preferably)

Canned fruits

Spaghetti sauce

Spaghetti and other noodles

Canned chicken and beef

Hearty soups

Baked beans/pork and beans

Canned tomatoes/tomato sauce

Rice (1 or 2 pound bags)

Bar soap

Toilet paper

Diapers

The center also posts on its Web site information on how to hold a neighborhood food drive. Those interested can call 945-1927. The center will provide information on conducting a drive along with plastic grocery bags and info sheets for the drive itself. The center will even pick up the food collected.

Many of us think — or thought — we would never need the services of a food bank

These times have shaken those beliefs.

If you need help, help is available. And if you’re able to help, the Cape Coral Caring Center offers the opportunity.



— Breeze editorial