Donate to Our Food Drive
January 1 - February 14
We've all seen the images on TV: folks waiting in car lines for hours to pick up just a few days’ worth of free food. Sadly, food insecurity is a problem right here in Charlotte County for many families. These families are our friends and neighbors, and we want to help. Copperfish Books is holding a food drive now through Feb. 14. Your donation of non-perishable food (no glass, please) and hygiene products will make an impact on local families. All items collected will go to the United Way of Charlotte County, and be distributed to families that participate in their Charlotte County Reads program.
You've helped feed young minds through our Book Drives. Now we hope you'll help nourish our neighbors in need.
From United Way of Charlotte County:
Donations will benefit local families whose children are enrolled in the Charlotte County Reads literacy program. These families are struggling to purchase the basics, such as food and hygiene items, due to the pandemic. If the community can rally behind them and help them cover these basic needs, they can turn more of their focus back to their children’s education. United Way of Charlotte County believes that early literacy skills can impact a child for life, and we want to ensure that our families and children are taken care of right now and in the future. Supporting basic needs and literacy are how we do that.
Charlotte County Reads is a United Way of Charlotte County funded collaborative program that combines the resources and expertise of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, Boys & Girls Clubs of Charlotte County, SKY Family YMCA, and Charlotte County Public Schools. Students who are struggling with reading are matched with a reading mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters and enrolled in a quality afterschool program at either the Boys & Girls Club or the YMCA. Charlotte County Public Schools provides data support for the program, monitoring students’ progress in the program over time.
More information about Charlotte County Reads is available here.
In addition to non-perishable food items, families could always use:
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrushes
- Bar soap and body wash
- Feminine hygiene products
- Toilet paper
- Diapers
- Baby wipes
- And since this is a literacy program, donations of new books are also welcome!