The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center is seeking organizations and individuals to participate in the Bountiful Blessings Thanksgiving Outreach. Since 1999, the program has provided the ingredients so families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood can make a traditional Thanksgiving meal in their own homes to share with their families. In 2019, partner agencies, businesses, philanthropic organizations and more than 100 volunteers provided turkeys and groceries to more than 300 families benefitting approximately 1,500 unique individuals.
“Holiday memories often center around a meal; the joy of preparation and being together as a family,” said Kathryn Kelly, president and CEO of The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center. “But, purchasing the ingredients for a holiday meal can be a large financial burden for many. Thanks to the generous support of our neighbors, we are able to provide that experience for the families in the Harlem Heights community.”
300 turkeys are being provided for the outreach. Golisano Children’s Hospital is donating 225 turkeys and Gecko Hospitality is donating 75.
The greatest need is for rice, canned vegetables (green beans, peas, corn and mixed vegetables) or monetary donations to purchase those items. Additional food items needed include canned yams, boxed stuffing, boxed potatoes, boxed corn muffin mix, canned gravy, cranberry sauce and cake mix.
Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. until Wednesday, November 18. The outreach event will be held on Saturday, November 21. COVID safety precautions will be in place. The Heights Center is located at 15570 Hagie Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33908.
Volunteers are needed on Friday, November 20 and Saturday, November 21. Contact Melissa Barlow at (239) 482-7706 or melissa@heightsfoundation.org to sign up for a time slot.
Organizations and individuals interested in donating can contact Melissa Barlow at (239) 482-7706 or Melissa@heightsfoundation.org.
All donations are tax-deductible.
Monetary donations can be made by clicking on this link
Thank you to the businesses and organizations that are supporting our event:
ABC Young Professionals
Continental Women’s Club
Crown Colony Community
Daughters of the American Revolution, Estero Island Chapter
FP Property Restoration
FSW College-Lee National Honors Society
Gecko Hospitality
Golisano Children’s Hospital
Hertz Corporation
Island Java Cafe
Peace Lutheran Church
Re/Max Realty Group
Sanibel Captiva Trust Company
Scotlynn Group
St. Hilary’s Church
Suncoast Credit Union
Temple Judea
Wally V. Cordell Accounting
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Workscapes
Zion Lutheran Church
