Filling the Boat to Fill Bellies with Food

The Fill the Boat Food Drive entered its fourth year on March 21st with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGAux) of Marco Island partnering with Marco’s Winn-Dixie to fill a 21-foot boat with food donations to benefit Our Daily Bread Food Pantry (ODBFP). Around noon, the food drive was in full swing as shoppers arrived at the store and stopped by the table to offer cash donations. 

According to Ron McClay of ODBFP, “This is our fourth annual Fill the Boat Food and Cash Drive. It was a fun event hosted by the Marco Coast Guard Aux and Winn-Dixie for ODBFP. It was a successful day raising over $1K with well over 1,500 pounds of much needed groceries for our pantry guests.” 

Many thanks to Winn-Dixie’s management and staff, especially Joe Benson, Abi Serrano, and Lorenzo Rodriguez. This is Abi’s second year as manager for Winn-Dixie’s Marco location, but he has been with for over ten years. 

According to Dick Hurd of the USCG Aux, “The Marco Island CG Aux takes pride in supporting our local community volunteer partners like ODBFP and Winn-Dixie as they elevate our role in the community as a leader in boater safety and education in Southwest Florida.” 

This event always brings out many residents, such as Donna Kaczka, who always fills her shopping cart each year to donate to ODBFP. Winn-Dixie’s BOGO promotion makes it very convenient to double the food donation. Donna is also a very active volunteer with ODBFP’s many events, such as Lunch with Friends. 

In 2024, ODBFP had fed over 80,000 families, and the need is growing to provide nourishing fresh food and pantry staples to thousands of school children, working families, and seniors. If you missed the Fill the Boat Food Drive, ODBFP has a convenient collection box inside the Winn-Dixie store.

For more information about the USCGAux programs, such as Vessel Safety, or how to join, please call 239-394-5911 or www.USCGAuxMarco.org.