Mark and I both come from simple family backgrounds. Our moms stayed at home and cared for the kids. Our dads worked however many jobs it took to provide. Years ago, that worked for families.
In 1977, divorced with three children, I was forced back to work. Without my family, our outcome would have been very different. My kids never lacked necessities, but I knew they had friends whose families did.
Once my kids were grown, I searched for a way to give back. Community needs were growing. I was grateful we always got by. How could I help those in need close to home? I began looking for an organization to support; one that could take a little and make it more. Second Harvest does exactly that and I became a donor.
Once married, together we continued donating to Second Harvest on a small scale for some years. In 2020 our business afforded the ability to make a bigger impact. We are thankful for this blessing and honored to share it through a wonderful organization meeting the needs of our community.
– Mark and Lillian Rogers, Feeding Hope Society members and monthly donors
Alex first learned about hunger in Central Florida when he volunteered in the Orlando warehouse. He and his friends sorted thousands of pounds of food donations. After that first afternoon, he was hooked.
Some of his favorite moments as a volunteer include a frozen turkey assembly line and preparing meals for Hurricane Ian relief efforts last fall.
When it came time to celebrate his 17th birthday, Alex took his volunteerism a step further by organizing a virtual food drive. Instead of gifts, Alex asked his friends to donate to Second Harvest. In a few short weeks, the drive raised enough funds to provide 2100 meals for local families.
“I’m humbled that a small action can positively impact so many people,” explains Alex, pictured here with his mom. “The virtual food drive shows me that our community stands together, no matter what we face.”
– Alex Curtis, volunteer and virtual food drive fundraiser
