The power of community continues . . .

Many things have changed during the past year with the dark cloud of COVID hovering overhead.  What has not changed, however, is our community’s stunning effort to keep Pantry shelves bulging with food.

According to director Tom Bullaro, countless individuals, clubs, and organizations have provided all we need to stay open — a resource of hope to the many hundreds who visit us regularly.

The following listing allows a glimpse of the donations we have received since January:

• $10,000 — The Interfaith Council
• $10,000 — The Tomiak Foundation
• $1,800 — The Sun City Center Bridge Association
• $1,400 — The Kings Point Baby Boomers Club
• $1,275 — Redeemer Lutheran Church
• $700 plus groceries valued at about $6,400 — The Sun City Center Women’s Club

Monthly Project Hunger collections by the Knights of Columbus at Our Lady of Guadalupe and Prince of Peace totaled $8,522 from January to June.

And, incredibly, countless individuals sent us their surplus checks to help ensure we had plenty food to share.  In fact, 10 (ten!!) individuals sent checks for $1,000 or more to our Pantry.  One donation was just under $7,000!

“When money for food is scarce, families who are food insecure need to stretch their dollars with nutrient-poor foods,” Bullaro says.  “Long term, a diet lacking essential nutrients can lead to poor learning for children, not to mention chronic illness for adults.

“Thanks to the generosity of this community, we have been able to provide lots of nutritious fruits and vegetables for our clients.  This produce, along with a big box of non-perishable and frozen foods, allows our clients enjoy a balanced diet, staying healthy.

“We thank every person who has ever donated to the Pantry,” Bullaro says.  “Even small checks add up, allowing us to fight hunger in a big way.

“We also thank all of our volunteers, who work tirelessly behind the scenes.  Without your helping hands, it would be impossible to open our doors week after week.”