'WINK Serves' encourages Southwest Florida residents to volunteer

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) WINK News anchors are volunteering this week at sites across Southwest Florida during WINK Serves as part of WINK Feeds Families for National Volunteer Month.

People are encouraged to get out and volunteer at food distribution sites like the Stars Complex, where volunteers help feed those in need.

Volunteers at the Harry Chapin Food Bank warehouse help sort and pack thousands of pounds of food that will help neighbors in Southwest Florida feed their families.

"Food is so important if I were raising my family, wanting to feed them, wanting to give them nutritious meals, and it is the sustenance that holds families together," volunteer Andreinne Kreger said. "So this is the perfect conduit for giving food to families, and it is just so invigorating to feel a part of a community that does something like that."

Volunteer Adam Marx said the variety of tasks keeps the work engaging. "It's different things, like sometimes you do just this, sometimes we go and do fruits and potatoes and all this fun stuff that makes it fun," Marx said.

Every shift directly helps get food on the tables for children, families, and seniors like Crystal Daugherty. "I get food for myself and for friends because I'm a senior on a limited income, and grocery prices are very high," Daugherty said. "You have to let pride go. It's either be hungry or do without."

Veterans like John Taylor also rely on the food bank. "I'm out here to receive a blessing from the Harry Chapin food bank," Taylor said. "If you got the time to come out and help, give that time and come out and help, it's all out here by the grace of God."

With demand high, every helping hand matters. Volunteers hope their experiences will inspire others to get involved.

"What they're going to ask you to do is a challenge, and it's so rewarding, it really is," volunteer Linda Conrad said. "So come out and try it, and I think you'll get hooked."

Kreger encouraged hesitant volunteers to take the first step. "Try it once. Just give it a try," Kreger said. "Don't stop yourself. Don't set up roadblocks. Just jump in."