Southwest Florida charities and volunteers work together to ensure no one faces the season alone or empty-handed
Courtesy of Florida Weekly Fort Myers
For many families, the holidays bring both joy and anxiety — a season of giving that can quickly strain already-tight budgets. Between gift lists, grocery bills and holiday décor, the pressure to make the season “merry and bright” can feel overwhelming. But volunteers and local Southwest Florida organizations and community programs are stepping in to help, reminding residents that the holidays don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful and to provide much needed resources, especially food assistance.
Solutions Money Management Founder and Lead Financial Advisor Michael Conticelli, who serves clients in Southwest Florida, says he does provide guidance with families who want the perfect holiday albeit money might be tight.
“Even those who aren’t necessarily struggling can celebrate without spending beyond their means,” according to Conticelli. “A few ideas I’ve shared with clients and try to follow myself include planning experiences over things. One of my favorite photos is of my two boys, about 20 years ago, running down the beach on Christmas Day in Santa hats. It was a beautiful day, and that simple moment is one of the best holiday memories.”
Conticelli also advises clients to set spending limits that feel right, not arbitrary budgets. “This applies year-round. Priorities are important here. Decide what matters most. Maybe it’s a big, wonderful meal but modest gifts, or bigger gifts but simple decorations,” he believes. “The goal is to be intentional with your spending. Start next year’s holiday fund in January. Even a small amount regularly makes the next holiday season easier. Don’t aim to just spend less, but to spend better.”
A gifting tradition Conticelli started with his wife Cheryle their first Christmas as kept the focus on meaning rather than materialism. “We gave each of our boys three gifts inspired by the three wise men. It became a simple tradition that helped us teach gratitude and perspective, and it’s something we’ve carried through every holiday since,” he describes.
For holiday events, Conticelli suggests celebrating what’s free and local. “Create fun times and memories without big bills,” he said. Many cities from Cape Coral to Naples have a free tree lighting celebration and lighting of the menorah for Hanukkah to help residents get into the holiday spirit.
Even as families look for ways to stretch their dollars, thousands of neighbors face the ongoing reality of food scarcity. Community groups and volunteers are meeting that need, providing meals and resources during the holidays — and long after the decorations come down.
According to Community Cooperative & Meals on Wheels of SWFL Chief Executive Officer & President Stefanie Ink Edwards, the need for providing food assistance has never been greater.
“One in seven Floridians and one in five children face hunger daily. In Southwest Florida alone, more than 46,000 children are food insecure,” she conveys. “At Community Cooperative, we know the power of what’s possible when a community comes together. Whether you give, volunteer, or host a food drive, your support directly changes lives. Together, we can ensure no child, senior or family goes hungry.”
Community Cooperative has remained steadfast in its mission to end hunger and homelessness in Southwest Florida through a network of innovative programs including Meals on Wheels of Southwest Florida, its Community Café, its Mobile Food Pantries, Market on Wheels, and its newest initiatives like Market on Demand and the Mobile Hot Food program.
“Every day, we’re meeting people where they are with food, compassion and a path toward stability,” she said. “Rising costs, inflation and lingering impacts from hurricanes have pushed many families and seniors to the breaking point. We’re seeing more first-time visitors than ever – people who never imagined they’d need help putting food on the table.”
Edwards reflects that seniors on fixed incomes are choosing between medication and meals, and working parents are struggling despite full-time jobs. “The demand for food and essential services is at an all-time high, and our team is responding with compassion, innovation in our programs, and unwavering commitment to offer hope,” she adds.
This holiday season Edwards offers advice to families struggling to afford food, holiday décor, gifts or clothing.
“First, know this, you are not alone. Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness, it’s an act of courage and there are so many organizations out there to help,” she continues. “We encourage families to embrace the heart of the season, togetherness. Simple and cost-effective traditions and shared moments often create the most meaningful memories. And when possible, connect with organizations like ours for help with food, clothing and even holiday support.”
The holidays are one of the most meaningful times at Community Cooperative. “Through programs like our Full Plates Project for Thanksgiving and Adopt-a-Family and Adopt-a-Senior for Christmas, we ensure that everyone, regardless of circumstance, can experience the joy and dignity of the holiday season,” Edwards described. “Volunteers help us serve meals, sponsor families, and host food drives, creating a beautiful reminder of what makes this community so special, people coming together to care for one another.”
Cape Coral resident and Optavia Health Coach Kelly Thomas, who has been a multi-year volunteer for Naples-based Meals of Hope’s Holidays without Hunger event explains her family was introduced to this serving opportunity more than 10 years ago through her then homeschool community at Classical Christian Academy.
“We volunteered four years in the Meals of Hope’s Holidays Without Hunger Event at the Lee Civic Center after being introduced us to this beautiful event and organization’s mission to provide meals for the less fortunate,” Thomas recalls. “The event is so fun and incredibly heartwarming. It truly ignites the Christmas spirit and captures teamwork at its best with a friendly ‘beat the bell’ competition as teams hustle in meal assembly lines for points with every box collectively packed, sealed and ready to be shipped.”
Thomas believes the calling and needs to help others is just as great every year because there will always be people who need others to rise up and lend a hand.
“It’s our duty and privilege to help those less fortunate,” Thomas affirmed. “Our family continues to be called every year to help families in need with this particular cause mostly because we are a Catholic family rooted in Christ and strive to help the poor and hungry with this type of servant heart work. And what better time than the holidays to be charitable with our time and generosity.”
The City of Naples has officially recognized Meals of Hope’s impact with a proclamation naming November 2025 as Meals of Hope Month, according to the organization’s website. “This reflects our commitment to hunger relief, including the 13.6 million meals we distributed in 2024,” as noted on the site.
Dietician Gisela Bouvier, CEO & Founder at Gisela Bouvier Nutrition, based in Punta Gorda, Florida, recommends ways to save money at the grocery store this holiday season including using Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a cost savings tool.
“If unsure what to cook for the holiday or having minimal ingredients left in your fridge, freezer, and pantry, use AI to help you create different recipe and meal ideas,” Bouvier suggests.
Be prepared to adapt your menu, Bouvier cautions. “Buying canned or frozen produce can help you save money. For example: If your recipe calls for cooked tomatoes, consider buying canned tomatoes or frozen green beans instead of fresh,” she describes. “Whether you’re making the entire holiday meal or just one item, going to the store with a list and only purchasing the items you need will help save on the total bill.”
She also suggests knowing how to find additional savings through coupon and reimbursement apps to save money or get cash back. Publix offers its BOGOs and has digital coupons available for additional savings.
“If you are seeking particular ingredients for your holiday meals, don’t be afraid to shop around – search which stores may have your items at more affordable prices,” Bouvier adds.
When preparing the holiday meals, Conticelli recommends cooking for the right number of people, not the refrigerator. “We love holiday leftovers, but most families buy enough food for 10 when they’re feeding five. A smaller, well-planned meal saves money and avoids waste,” he outlines. “Plan it when you’re full. No one wants ‘leftovers of leftovers’ on day three.”
Saving money is one way to ease the stress of the season — but for those in a position to give, the holidays also offer a chance to make a difference. Local organizations are collecting turkeys, canned goods and gift items to help neighbors who might otherwise go without.
This holiday season, there are ways individuals can help alongside numerous community organizations that are helping those in need including the Gladiolus Pantry located in Fort Myers, which has a mission to reduce hunger by providing healthy, nutritious food while treating everyone with dignity and respect.
Director and Founder of Gladiolus Food Pantry Miriam Ortiz said she is witnessing an increase in food necessities in the community compared to past years and her organization
“Other pantries have been closing in the surrounding community due to the government shut down. Without food donations we are barely able to keep up with the increased demand ourselves,” she adds. “Our pantry is in need of food donations due to the increased volume of people that are suffering from food scarcity.”
Stepping up to ensure community members have the items for a fruitful holiday season is a key initiative for Gladiolus Food Pantry. “We do special events for Thanksgiving and Christmas for our local community. We hand out a turkey and all the fixings to those that do not have the means to secure a thanksgiving dinner for their family,” she continues. “For Christmas we hand out toys to those in need of gifts for their children.”
Another way to help is by supporting the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida in its first ever Thanksgiving turkey and ham drive through Nov. 20.
“This year we are hosting our first-ever Thanksgiving Turkey & Ham Drive, now through November 20. The community can drop off frozen turkeys or hams at our Fort Myers or Naples locations, and monetary donations are deeply appreciated through our online campaign,” said Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida’s Director of Communication & Marketing Irma C. Lancaster. “Every contribution helps make a family’s table a little fuller this holiday season, especially for those struggling due to the ongoing shutdown.”
Harry Chapin Food Bank’s mission is to lead its community in the fight to end hunger by serving children, families, seniors, and individuals across Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties, ensuring that no neighbor goes hungry.
“This year, our focus is on helping families meet their most essential need, food. Anyone in need of assistance can visit harrychapinfoodbank.org/food-locator to find nearby pantries and mobile distributions,” Lancaster says. “We want families to know that they are not alone and that help is available.”
Each donation — whether a turkey, a toy or a few dollars — helps fill a neighbor’s table and bring warmth, comfort and connection to homes that might otherwise go without.
“We’re here to lift one another up especially during the holiday seasons,” Edwards added.
RESOURCES:
Community Cooperative & Meals on Wheels of SWFL
- Website: communitycooperative.com/
- Address: 3429 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33916
Gladiolus Food Pantry:
- Website: gladiolusfoodpantry.org/
- Accepting food donations Mondays & Tuesdays from 9am-3pm and Wednesdays from 9am-6pm.
- Address: 10511 Gladiolus Dr., Fort Myers, FL 33908
Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida
- Website: harrychapinfoodbank.org/
- Accepting donated turkeys and ham for Thanksgiving drive through Nov. 20th.
- Address: 3760 Fowler Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901-0930
- Address: 3940 Prospect Ave., #101, Naples, FL 34104-3745
Meals of Hope
- Website: mealsofhope.org/
- Address: 4176 Mercantile Ave., Naples, FL 34104