March to a Million Meals: From client to employee at the Harry Chapin Food Bank

Reporter: Gail Levy Writer: Melissa Montoya
Published: Updated:
Carolyn Weaver went from client to employee at the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida. (CREDIT: WINK News)

Carolyn Weaver knows both sides of the Harry Chapin Food Bank.

Weaver is now the food bank’s donor services coordinator, but before that, she lost her job in April of last year at the start of the pandemic.

She lined up for food at the Harry Chapin Food Bank.

“I never once thought I would be in that position, never once,” Weaver said. “It really can make you feel like a failure. Why didn’t I make things work? What did I do wrong? It’s all my fault, I did it.”

Three times she lined up for her trunk to be filled by volunteers at the food bank. Desperate to get back to work, she went online and found a job listing at Harry Chapin.

After two months without work, she was hired as the donor services coordinator.

“Not only were they here for me when I needed them, now every day I get to come to work and every thank you letter that I send, every phone call that I take, every donor that I talk to, I know what it was like to be on the flipside of that,” Weaver said.

The pain of a growling stomach fuels Weaver to make sure others know help is never far away.

“It’s wonderful, it’s absolutely, absolutely the best feeling in the world to be able to give back, to be able to make a difference,” Weaver said. “There is no reason to be hungry right now.”

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WINK News is asking viewers to help donate $400,000 for the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida. Throughout the month of February, WINK is hoping to raise enough money for a million meals. If you are interested in donating to WINK’s March to a Million Meals, visit here.

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