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Have a Holiday Heart

by Karen Coney Coplin

s a longtime Naples resident, I've seen The City of Naples just recognized the impact of Meals of Hope by
firsthand how this community comes commemorating November 2025, in the organization's honor.
A together when times are tough, like in 4. Pathways Early Education Center of Immokalee - in addition
the aftermath of Hurricanes Wilma, Irma & Ian. to a strong foundation for pre-K learning, this organization provides
Now we are facing a different type of nutritious breakfast, lunch and snacks. Center families also benefit
challenge, with everyday costs rising and from onsite baby food and diaper distribution for younger siblings.
reductions in funding for programs assisting For ways to support Pathways, reach out via:
families in need. It doesn't take much imagination pathwaysearlyeducation.org or call 239.403.7977.
to realize that some of our neighbors are quietly struggling. 5. Circle of Friends participants walk or run the Gordon River
It's the holiday season with many of us planning, shopping, and Greenway on the first Saturday of each month, raising funds to support
wrapping presents for our loved ones. This month offers a chance to a variety of charitable organizations. In October, this group featured
reach beyond our traditional circle of giving and lend support to the "Weekend Meals by UUCGN" (Unitarian Universalist Congregation
non-profit, charitable organizations that make life in Naples more of Greater Naples). November's walk benefited the Children's
vibrant for all. Advocacy Center, and January's walk will take place on Jan. 10 at 8:30
By turning heartfelt concern and generosity into a community a.m., first hearing about Grace Place with the walk commencing by
practice, we can nourish families by filling pantries, giving hope, and 8:45 a.m.
helping children thrive. As always, Naples shines brightest when we Visit circlefriends.gives for more ways to be involved with the Circle
reach out to help each other. of Friends and their designated non-profits.
These organizations have been profiled in this column Weekend Meals provides food to local school children who may not
previously and bear consideration for year-end giving and 2026 have healthy food or enough to eat on the weekends. uunaples.org for
planning: more information.
1. Collier Resource Center - This is a 6. The Children's Advocacy Center is
community-based non-profit which offers case an organization for children who may have
management, referrals and support for families experienced abuse, offering counseling services &
facing challenges such as food insecurity, legal advocacy in a child-friendly environment.
service access, & economic hardship. caccollier.org or 239.263.8383 to assist.
The organization can be reached at Grace Place is committed to providing
239.434.2030 for intake; for those clients pathways out of poverty through youth education
helped by the CRC, there is no charge for case and adult literacy among other programs.
management and other services. graceplacenaples.org or 239.255.7200 for more
Web: collierresourcecenter.org ways to help.
2. Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Local non-profits have long carried much
Florida is one of the largest hunger relief of the weight to help families find stability in
organizations in the area, serving Naples and times of need. Supporting these local groups
Collier County (Charlotte, Glades, Hendry demonstrates an unwavering degree of compassion
& Lee Counties, too) through regional food in Naples. And, stronger still during the holiday
distribution by partner agencies. The late season.
singer Harry Chapin, who championed both I'm abundantly thankful to call Naples
the arts and hunger relief, said "To know is to my home and to connect with you here.
care, to care is to act, and to act is to make a Let's shine together!
difference." To help this organization serve Please contact Karen at NaplesKCC@
300,000 SW FL residents every month,
gmail.com with suggestions for future article
consider a one-time or monthly gift. Visit
Collier Resource Center— coverage, which is often centered on charitable
online: HarryChapinFoodBank.org or call
Two of many clients helped. organizations in Naples and the programs/services
239.334.7007 to help.
these groups offer.
3. Meals of Hope - this organization is well-known for its
To receive a copy of the full text of Emily Dickinson's poem
community food-packing events such as one I attended with my
daughters, years ago, at Gulfview Middle School, and more recently about hope; or with suggestions for future articles, especially about
with the Cornell alumni group. This organization offers mobile charitable organizations with new programs or ongoing programs
food pantries (note: these also offer volunteer opportunities). If you needing a spotlight.
have a group interested in assembling food kits, visit mealsofhope. Additionally, for more vignettes about life in Naples, give her a
org or reach out at 239.537.7775. follow on Instagram @Naplesbythenumbers

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