Residents and visitors gathered at the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Myers on December 6 for the annual Christmas Carol Sing. It was a heartfelt event that aimed to support the hungry in Southwest Florida.
At this 34th edition of the Carol Sing, about 1,000 pounds of non-perishable food and significant financial donations were collected. These contributions will help families in need, especially during the holidays. Community Cooperative CEO Stefanie Ink Edwards expressed gratitude for the community’s generosity, noting that the demand has never been higher.
More than 400 attendees enjoyed performances by talented musicians, including violinist Jeffrey Fabisiak and saxophonist Mike Pcolar. The event also featured soloists like Beverly Cox and Debbie Bohrer, along with a surprise visit from Santa Claus.
First Presbyterian Church is committed to community support. They also host Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing in February, benefiting Community Cooperative. This organization, founded in 1984, focuses on tackling hunger and homelessness in Lee County.
In 2024, Community Cooperative helped over 46,000 individuals. They distributed more than 2.1 million pounds of food and delivered over 117,000 meals to seniors through their Meals on Wheels program. More than 2,000 volunteers gave a staggering 46,000 hours of service, highlighting the community’s dedication to helping one another.
It’s a testament to how collective efforts can make a real difference. As the holiday season approaches, events like these remind us of the importance of giving back.
For more information about Community Cooperative, you can visit their official site here.
