Page 46 - November2026LifeInNaples

Heart to Heart:
Hearts Around the Table

Karen Coney Coplin
hanksgiving Perhaps this is where gratitude takes it's providing a meal; sometimes it's
marks the on a little more meaning. It doesn't helping a family find stability; and
Tbeginning of the require us to overlook the challenges sometimes it's making sure a child has a
holiday season. It has around us or to put on rose-colored safe place to begin healing.
a way of bringing us glasses. Rather, we are invited to recognize As we gather around our own tables
back to what matters: what we have in this moment, and this Thanksgiving, perhaps we can make
traditions new and old, consider how we might share a little of it a little room in our thoughts for those
the gathering of family with someone else. whose circumstances are different from
and friends, and, of course, a festive table Over the years, I've highlighted ours.
filled with food. For some, preparation the efforts of many local organizations We don't have to solve every problem
of a favorite recipe may be a poignant and the caring people behind them, or support every cause. We can start
reminder of a loved one who passed. to bring these groups to the attention with one organization, one volunteer
In the spirit of the season, it's worth of our readers. Their work reminds me opportunity or one small act of kindness.
remembering that having enough food on that lifting others up doesn't always Gratitude isn't simply about
the table isn't something everyone in our require a grand gesture. Sometimes it's a appreciating what we have. It's also about
community can take for granted. meal, a volunteer afternoon, a financial recognizing that what we have can help
These are challenging times for many. contribution, or simply knowing where others as well. Perhaps that's one of the
The rising cost of everyday necessities, someone can turn when life becomes most meaningful ways to give thanks.
such as food and gas for starters, puts overwhelming.
Email Karen at Napleskcc@gmail.com to share
financial pressure at the forefront. And Sometimes, the first step is calling for
while the holidays tend to bring these assistance. suggestions for future columns. Please consider
needs into sharper focus, food insecurity It's a reminder that caring for our giving her a follow @Naplesbythenumbers on
and hardship don't take a holiday. community takes many forms. Sometimes Instagram for more slices of Life in Naples

The Collier Resource Center (239.434.2030) has long And, sometimes the challenges facing our neighbors
been an important resource for individuals and families extend well beyond their grocery bill. The Hunger &
navigating difficult circumstances. Beyond helping Homeless Coalition of Collier County (239.263.9363)
connect people with food, the organization serves as works with community partners to address
a bridge to other essential services, including housing, homelessness, housing instability and related needs.
health care and assistance with everyday needs. When Food insecurity and housing insecurity are almost
someone is unsure where to begin, having a knowledgeable always connected, and helping someone move toward greater
resource to help navigate the options can make all the differeance. stability can required addressing several challenges at once.

There is also something special about people coming together to Not every kind of nourishment comes from a kitchen.
make a difference. Meals of Hope (239.596.8990) is a wonderful The Empowerment Farm (239.330.2777) offers another
example of hands-on generosity. Its meal-packing events bring perspective on what it means to strengthen a community.
volunteers in service around a shared purpose, while its other Through its connection to animals, agriculture, and hands-on
hunger-relief initiatives help get food into the hands of those learning, the organization creates opportunities for people of
who need it. It's a reminder that giving doesn't always have to be different ages and abilities to experience connection in nature.
complicated. Sometimes it starts with showing up, rolling up your Its work also reminds us of the importance of understanding
sleeves and doing something tangible. where our food comes from and the value of bringing people (and
animals) together on the land.
The Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida
(239.330.7007) plays another critical role in addressing hunger A privilege of writing this column is discovering that the story don't
throughout our region. Behind every food distribution is an necessarily end when the article does. The Children's Advocacy
extensive network of donors, volunteers and community partners Center of Collier County (239.263.8383) is another organization
working to make sure food reaches families, children and I've introduced to readers in the past. Celebrating its 40th year in
individuals facing food insecurity. The work of this organization 2026, the Center continues its important work helping children
reminds us that addressing hunger requires more than a single and families affected by trauma and abuse through advocacy,
meal or a seasonal food drive; it takes a sustained community therapy and coordinated services.
effort

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