SWFL.io - Local NewsNAPLES, Fla.—More than 70 families went home with food this morning thanks to the efforts of the Harry Chapin Food Bank in collaboration with Center Point Community Church.
Volunteers and staff at the church typically see hundreds of families lining up for their two-hour food distributions.
"When somebody comes through our line, they have somebody pray with them," said Ella Ojanovac, a volunteer and worker at Center Point Community Church.
She explained that the process involves asking families about their lives, praying for their needs, checking them in, and then sending them through the distribution line.
"It is a tough time for a lot of people who are seeking assistance," said Alesi Fernandez, director of program operations at St. Matthew's House. "And through the partnerships that we have with Harry Chapin and all the work, all the very hard work that they do behind the scenes, they make it possible for a lot of agencies to reach the individuals that are in need.”
Fernandez mentioned that summer is their busiest season, as many volunteers head home, causing a dip in donations. "So to be able to come together collectively as a community, to be able to support that effort, to give back more during the summer months is always very thoughtful," she said.
For the volunteers, it's about more than just feeding families.
"I've actually built a couple of relationships with people in the line," said Ojanovac. "It's nice to hear their stories and hear where they're coming from, and be able to get to know them a little bit better and be able to help."
Click here for our WINK Feeds Families' March to a Million donation page.