The Gladiolus Food Pantry celebrates 12 years of service this March.
Founder Miriam Ortiz remembers what started as humble beginnings.
"I started in my home, helping people with clothes," said Ortiz.
Giving out clothes in her hometown of Harlem, Florida, grew into giving weeks' worth of groceries to hundreds all over Lee County.
"Just imagine all the food, everything, even trying to lift a diaper box. I'm not kidding; I couldn't," Ortiz said as she recalls when Hurricane Ian damaged the pantry. Even so, Ortiz kept it open 24/7.
"I had volunteers come from Los Angeles and Texas," said Ortiz. "You don't think about it until you see how the people are showing up with trucks of generators, clothes and food."
Resiliency helps volunteers give honorable service.
"I want them to feel free if they want to take the black beans or the brown beans. They take what they need. We're not just going to give them something they're not going to eat. I call that dignity and respect."
"I'm from Jersey," said visitor Ashley Plummer. "They don't have pantries like this where it's like a miniature market."
For Plummer, trips to this place make all the difference for her family.
"I'll do anything for my mom. If she can't make it, I want to make sure she has what she needs to eat."
Plummer left the pantry with at least two weeks' worth of groceries, costing approximately $200.
For Ortiz and Gladiolus Food Pantry volunteers, serving these isles is priceless.
"Sometimes people tell me if I don't come here, I don't get food for the whole month. It's priceless the smiles on people's faces and the hugs I get every day," said Ortiz.
Ortiz tells Gulf Coast News an anonymous donor plans to give $50,000 to the pantry. That donor wants someone to match that donation. Ortiz said the pantry will use the money to expand its parking lot.
If you want to donate to the Gladiolus Food Pantry, go to its website
here
or call 239-437-8122.
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