Smuggler’s Employees Raise $14,400 to End Hunger in Charlotte County

The employees of Smugglers Enterprises have completed a year long project seeking to end hunger in Charlotte County. For the past year, many generous employees  contributed $2 out of every paycheck through an Employee Voluntary Contribution Program. Over the year, together they have raised $14,400.  This amount has facilitated H.E.L.P. in Charlotte County, Inc, a 501(c)3 organization to bring in two semis of nonperishable food, dry goods and personal hygiene supplies. The trucks arrived in Punta Gorda on January 19th for distribution to local food pantries, feeding programs and social service agencies. Jan 19th 2011 Smugglers Employee Donation and Smugglers foundation brought $100,000 of food to Charlotte County. This food was distributed to 23 local food pantries which will feed 12,000 people.

Employees of Smuggler's Enterprises present check to Elaine Oliver, Executive Director of H.E.L.P. in Charlotte County.

Tammy Beck, Manager of Harpoon Harry's, Bob Forst, Manager of The Captain's Table and Elaine Oliver, Executive Director of H.E.L.P. in Charlotte County.

The following press release was issued by H.E.L.P. in Charlotte County’s Executive Director, Elaine Oliver.

For immediate release:

“This is such an exciting day for H.E.L.P. in Charlotte County, Smuggler’s Enterprises, Inc. Foundation and their employees.  The check represents so much more than the dollar amount.  It is the culmination of a year of sacrificial giving by employees of Smuggler’s Enterprises and the generosity of Smuggler’s Enterprises, Inc. Foundation.  This donation, will allow H.E.L.P. to make arrangements for two 53′ semis loaded with much needed supplies to be brought into Charlotte County . When these trucks come in, our past experience has shown that over 12,000 citizens will benefit, local food pantries have a collective sigh of relief and those in need rejoice in knowing that there are many of us working on their behalf,” stated Elaine Oliver, Executive Director of H.E.L.P.

We want to express our sincere and deep appreciation to the Smuggler’s employees and Smuggler’s Enterprises,Inc Foundation.  Without individuals like these employees and leaders like the management staff who set the example of investing back into the community that allows their businesses to prosper, projects like this would never see the light of day.

It is truly marvelous to be a part of a community of individuals who recognize the need that exists and takes action to reduce that need.

More information about the three organizations and businesses that have worked together to make this possible is available on their respective web sites.

www.helpincharlottecounty.org
www.smugglers.com
www.smugglersfoundation.org

Contact info:
Elaine Oliver
Executive Director
H.E.L.P. in Charlotte County, Inc
21061 Riddle Ave
Port Charlotte, FL  33954
941.625.4543
www.helpincharlottecounty.org