Suncoast Outreach gearing up for Christmas campaign
On Thanksgiving, 268 local families — a total of 1,040 residents from the Suncoast Estates Community — received food for a complete Thanksgiving meal through the efforts of Suncoast Community Outreach.
“One hundred fifty families originally signed up, and 260-plus showed up,” said James Gillespe, chairperson for the Suncoast Outreach Task Force. “We received generous donations from local businesses and private citizens.”
“They got more than a Thanksgiving meal, they got extras such as quality breads and more,” added Resident Coordinator Susie Gillespe. Both Publix Supermarkets and the Panera Bread Company on Pine Island Road made significant donations along with other local businesses.
Tom Kasprezak, an assistant manager for the Panera Bread said, “We do it [donations] everyday. For us, it is corporate-wide, we have a day-end donation because we bake our bread fresh everyday. The groups really appreciate the donations.”
Other big donors were the Buckingham Blues Bar, Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, Silver & Silver Realty, Juicy Lucy’s, Cheyenne Air, Forest Park and Raintree RV Park and The Shell Factory & Nature Park.
“And many private citizens,” added the Gillespes.
“Now we’re gearing up for Christmas,” said Susie Gillespe. “So far we have 155 families signed up and we’re accepting the donations for the food baskets.”
The group is also the recipient of a big local toy drive.
“I work with the North Fort Myers Fire District and we help those in need through the North Fort Myers area with toys. People can come in and sign up by Dec. 17, but they need to call for information first at 731-9838, for details,” she said.
While the toys are primarily for Suncoast kids, if there is enough they go to other members of the North Fort Myers Community.
She said people who want to donate toys can bring in a new, unwrapped toy for kids up to age 16 to the center.
James Gillespe said he believes one of the reasons the group gets many donations is the nature of the organization.
“We’re a no-overhead non-profit,” he said. “It’s all volunteer based. Our rent is paid by a grant for our building, so every dollar or donation stays in the Suncoast and North Fort Myers communities. It’s more bang for the buck.”
“And we give a tax receipt, we’re a 501 c 3 non profit,” said Susie Gillespe.
Two holiday events are planned for late December. On Saturday, Dec. 20, Santa will be at the outreach from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for free pictures and cookies and milk for the children of Suncoast. The event is sponsored by Chico’s Charities and the Task Force.
On Monday, Dec. 22, Santa will travel around the Suncoast Community. “Santa Claus will be riding the streets,” said Susie Gillespe. “Look for him and listen for the carols.”
The outreach center is located at 7656 Hart Rd. The phone number is 731-9838.