A Special Day for Pantry Volunteers

Our Daily Bread Food Pantry (ODBFP) celebrated its volunteers on April 14 for their contributions over the last ten years. Dedicated, selfless, compassionate, enthusiastic, and positive are some of the words to describe them. In addition, they serve as inspiration to members of the community. They belong to a rare and special group, giving tirelessly of their time and skills and their contribution extends beyond monetary value. “Our volunteers are simply amazing,” said Nancy Kot, a founding member of ODBFP. “Their willingness to share both their time and talents to help those in need is the core of the operations.”

Once again, Steve Garske’s Garage was a fitting location. Unlike modern cars that typically go down in value the moment you drive them off the lot, many vintage cars appreciate over time; it is about rarity, history, desirability, and limited supply.

The same can be said of the Pantry’s volunteers – PRICELESS! Over 120 volunteers and their spouses enjoyed an evening of Prosecco bubbles, wine, an ice cream table, and delicious appetizers by Chef Laura Owen.

Mary Beth Cummings, administrative manager of ODBFP said, “We continue to have more than 250 active volunteers generously sharing their time in all different capacities at Our Daily Bread - from sorting and packing food to helping with special events, acting in managing and administrative roles, picking up and processing food donations, etc... The breadth and depth of volunteer talent at ODBFP is amazing.”

Some of the Pantry’s service statistics:

• Peak week last year was the week of 11/2/2025 with 1,627 households served with 5,607 individuals.
• The second busiest week was the week of 8/31/2025 with 1,561 households served with 5,396 individuals.
• Thanksgiving week served 1,191 households with 4,418 individuals.
• Christmas week served 1,245 households with 4,239 individuals.
• The average weekly service is for approximately 1,300 households, which is approximately 4,500 guests.

For the signature Saturday pantry, 1,000 bags of staples are prepared for carts. On Friday, 1,000 bags of produce and 1,000 bags of protein are also prepared. Dairy, cereal, and other items are added to the carts on Saturday, along with those three sets of pre-packed bags. All of those bags and items are prepared throughout the week as well as for several hundred guests at the mobile pantries and those who come to the pantry for appointments.

Some of the earliest volunteers include co-founder Liz Pecora, Donald Pecora, Nancy Kot, Nancy and Ron McClay, Cheryl Axelson, Jane Blong, Jodie Altobelli, Craig and Micki Giese, Jean O'Neill, Lynda Prokup, Bob Chrystal, Liliana Arceri, Janet Cameron, Anne Karim, Yazmin Lopez, Howard Pullman, Priscilla Salvatore, Steve and Laura Scelfo, and Marylou Wales - many of these volunteers continue to have managerial and team leader roles.

“Ten years ago, we planted an idea that no neighbor should go hungry,” said Liz Pecoar. “What has sustained our mission is not just food, but the hands and hearts of our volunteers. They are the true foundation of Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, turning compassion into action.”

Our Daily Bread Food Pantry celebrates its 10th anniversary this year - a decade of providing food, encouragement, and hope to neighbors in need. After a successful two-year, $8 million capital campaign, they moved into their new home in November 2025 – a big thanks to the generosity of Pat and Scot Kaufman.

The Pantry opened its doors in 2016 as a mission of the Family Church, inspired by five founders who were moved to act after learning that local children were coming to school hungry. In its first year, the pantry served 320 households.

Over the years, one of the most significant areas of growth has been the Pantry’s

K–12 student nutrition programs. Today, the pantry provides nourishing breakfasts, after-school snacks, and weekend meal bags to nearly 950 students on Marco Island and in East Naples.