Copperleaf residents raise money for the Harry Chapin Food Bank

Reporter: Nicole Lauren Writer: Joey Pellegrino
Published: Updated:
Participants in the Copperleaf walk. Credit: WINK News

So many in our area have dealt with hardship over the last year, unable to put food on the table. Now’s your chance to help. WINK News is teaming up with the Harry Chapin Food Bank for the March to a Million Meals, with the goal of feeding one million people by March 1.

Over the weekend, the Copperleaf community in Estero got started with a walk, bringing in $34,500.
Copperleaf has been helping out for years now, altogether donating more than $150,000 to WINK Feeds Families. People in the community say they are happy to help, especially right now.

“I believe there are so many people in need right now,” said Ann Kalin. “Especially food; with this whole pandemic, people are unemployed, people are looking for work… it’s really a time of need right now. And as a community, Copperleaf… we are willing to give our time and our energy to help people out.”

“And this is wonderful for Copperleaf, they’re a very supportive community,” said Elisa Morley. “They come out full force for everything, and this is a very good thing to do, because people are walking for Harry Chapin, it’s very important.”

“The reason I support them is I work every Monday at the mobile pantry in Bonita Springs, and I see the impact it has on the community and the need for food in our local community here,” said Bill Starr.

The Harry Chapin Food Bank says this has been one of its most difficult years, with extremely high numbers of people needing assistance.

“We are distributing about double what we normally do, about a million pounds a week,” said Richard Leber, CEO of the Harry Chapin Food Bank. “I’m glad we are able to do it, but it’s sad to see how many people out there need our help right now.”

WINK’s current goal is $400,000, the amount needed for one million meals.

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