February 15, 2025Polk County, FLFood Pantry
What happened
On a 41-degree morning in February, more than 80 volunteers showed up before sunrise to help us sort through donations from across Central Florida.
By noon we had distributed:
- 214 winter coats to families across Polk County
- 400+ pounds of cold-weather supplies — blankets, socks, gloves, hats
- 62 emergency hygiene kits to neighbors without shelter
The moment we'll remember
A fifth grader from Auburndale walked into the gym carrying a black trash bag. Inside were eleven coats. Her class had taken up a collection. She said, "My mom told me cold isn't a feeling, it's a problem you can fix."
Thank you to everyone who showed up, donated, organized, drove a route, made sandwiches, or just told a neighbor about it. Polk County is warmer because you did.
