The shelves of the food pantries at The Salvation Army in Collier County are bare and the organization needs help from the community. The Army operates emergency food pantries in Immokalee and Naples and serves approximately 50,000 residents annually. The Army has seen an increase in the number of households visiting the pantries. Those in need are facing unemployment or underemployment coupled with an increase in monthly rental costs. This leaves families with the difficult decision of having to pay their housing costs such as rent/mortgage and utilities, purchase much needed medicine, or put food on the table. A recent report by RentRange cites Southwest Florida area rent rates as some of the top in the nation. In Immokalee, where many hard working residents earn their income in the fields providing vegetables and fruits for much of the nation, the late summer and fall months are not prime “picking season”. As a result, these workers find themselves with less job opportunities to feed themselves and their families. Major Dan Proctor, who leads the organization as the Naples Regional Coordinator, says it is because of the local community’s support that the Army is able to serve so many, and this assistance is urgently needed now. “Families, children, and seniors are in desperate need. We are grateful to the Collier County community for supporting our efforts to help ensure they have the very basic necessity of nutritious food to put on the table. Our community is one that always stands together to help our neighbors in great need.” – Major Dan Proctor, Naples Regional Coordinator The Salvation Army is requesting any donations to be dropped off at its Annex located at 3050 Horseshoe Drive North, Building B, Suite #260, Naples, Florida 34104 Monday – Friday 8:30 am – Noon and 1 pm – 3:00 pm. The following items are requested: • Canned food, canned meats such as salmon, chicken and tuna • Canned fruits and vegetables • Cereal and oatmeal • Peanut Butter and jelly • Evaporated, dry or shelf stable milk • Rice • Pasta • Macaroni & Cheese • Canned or boxed soup • Crackers