Collier nonprofits, 500 volunteers pack over 100,000 meals for Bahamas

Fresh food is being packed in Southwest Florida and will be taken to the Bahamas and given to those in need after the destruction Hurricane Dorian caused on northern islands.

Nonprofits Meals of Hope and Collier Harvest Foundation brought together 500 volunteers in Collier County, who helped pack more than 100,000 meals for people affected by Dorian.

“So important because these are all going to the Bahamas,” said Bobbi Bird with Meals of Hope.

And Stephen Popper, CEO and president of Meals of Hope, said he wasn’t expecting such a large turnout.

“I think people, when they see the other devastation, I know they say how can we possibly help them?” Popper said. “So we’re giving them a hands-on approach to helping people there.”

Connie Preu, executive director of Collier Harvest, said the shipment of resources would not have been possible without donations and volunteers.

“I’m just appreciative of all these people,” Preu said.

And both organizations plan to have another event in Southwest Florida in the next two weeks, since this one was such a success. Those details will be shared when they become available.

“We really appreciate the hundreds of people that are here helping,” Popper said. “They’re having a good time, but they’re also really making a difference.”