HELPING FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Donations, volunteers needed

Christ Community Church is hosting a free Thanksgiving Day meal for the less fortunate from noon to 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 26, at Christ Community Church, 4801 Orange Grove Blvd. in North Fort Myers.

Organizers need donations and volunteer support to feed about 250 people on Thanksgiving Day.

In addition to Christ Community Church, a number of local ministries are participating, including New Mission Systems International and the Bootstrap Homeless Ministries. These organizations serve the less fortunate throughout the year, providing food, clothing, spiritual guidance and other support and benevolent services.

In addition to seeking volunteers to cook or serve, the church is in need of food and paper goods. To participate, call Kim Barrera at 656-1740 or e-mail kbarrera@ graphicsall.com. 

Toys for Tots site named

Dan Luft, executive vice president, announced that Compass Construction Inc. will serve once again as a dropoff site for Toys for Tots donations. This annual program helps the Marine Corps Reserves provide toys for needy children.

The program, founded by Col. William Hendricks in 1947, is conducted by the Marine Corps Reserves and Marine Corps League detachment groups throughout the United States.

Mr. Luft, a former Marine, participated in the program for six years in Columbus, Ohio, while serving in the Marine Corps. The program remains dear to his heart.

Toys can be dropped off at the Compass Construction office at 824 Lafayette St., Cape Coral or call 542-7118 for directions. 

Thanksgiving turkeys needed

Thanksgiving is fast approaching and turkeys are in short supply to feed the hungry in Southwest Florida. The Harry Chapin Food Bank has put out an emergency plea for the 6,000 turkeys needed by the participating nonprofit agencies that rely on the food bank to fill food baskets for the holiday distribution to growing numbers of hungry adults and children.

Individuals can assist the food bank by either purchasing turkeys or contributing financial aid to buy turkeys. Businesses can help by encouraging customers to support the turkey drive.

Joyce Jacobs, associate director of the food bank, said the demand for turkeys is greater than ever this year. The food bank is working to provide the 6,000 turkeys to its partner agencies so families will have a Thanksgiving dinner.

The Harry Chapin Food Bank currently has only 500 turkeys in the freezer. Turkeys can be dropped off at the warehouse, 3760 Fowler Street, Fort Myers, or checks can be mailed to the same address. Contributions can also be made online at harrychapinfoodbank.org.

For more information, call 334-7007. 