Stimulus checks being donated to help feed the community

Posted 1/5/21

Rural South Florida’s small, tight-knit communities have been hit hard by the complications surrounding COVID-19.

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Stimulus checks being donated to help feed the community

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LABELLE — Rural South Florida’s small, tight-knit communities have been hit hard by the complications surrounding COVID-19. Many have lost their jobs, health insurance and even their homes. Many are experiencing food insecurity and hunger. Local food banks and similar charities have reported the demand for help has increased exponentially since March 2020, and the need for help continues to rise.

While things may have seemed dark and hopeless for so many these past nine months, some good has been spotted in both Hendry and Glades counties. Several of those who haven’t suffered financially during this pandemic have decided to donate their $600 stimulus payments to help those in need.

“I was in the hospital twice before 10 years old for malnutrition. I have worked hard, did not marry money, and have a home paid for and an income as the widow of a 100% veteran,” said one of the generous donors, a longtime resident of LaBelle, who wished to remain anonymous. “I do not need the stimulus check, and I want to donate it to Salvation Army and Harry Chapin Food Bank. I have talked to a few others who also want to donate their stimulus checks to charities in the area to help.”

The generous movement is growing, and more and more people in the community are stepping up to help.

“I heard a few others at church discussing donating their checks, and I decided to do the same. My hope is that we all do what we can to lift others up, to get us all through this hard time,” said another anonymous donor from Montura. “I remember my mother struggling to feed us as children, and I can’t help but think how amazing $600 would have been during those dark days. I am happy to be able to donate this money to Harry Chapin.”

The Harry Chapin Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief network in Southwest Florida, serving Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties.

“Every $1 you give helps provide four meals for children, families, veterans and seniors in our community,” said a local volunteer for Harry Chapin Food Bank.

If you would like to donate, you may do so online through the Harry Chapin Food Bank website: https://donate.harrychapinfoodbank.org.

stimulus

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