COLLIER COUNTY, FL. — Food banks and organizations are playing a critical role right now, as many Americans continue to struggle with unemployment.
Locally, St. Matthew's House is helping feed families who are struggling, and now a state leader is stepping to help.
On Thursday, State Senator Rick Scott announced he plans to donate his second-quarter salary to St. Matthew's House.
"After taxes, I think it's going to be $35,000, so it's a huge gift," said Vann Ellison, President & CEO of St. Matthew's House.
The non-profit has been helping feed families in need throughout Southwest Florida and has seen a massive increase in need since the start of the pandemic.
"During the economic downturn and the COVID crisis, we've seen greater need than ever before, over a thousand-percent increase over a weekly basis," said Ellison.
Sen. Scott's salary donation will be going straight into St. Matthew's House operations.
In a statement, Sen. Scott said:
"Every day, this incredible organization and its selfless volunteers dedicate their time and resources to provide compassion, care, and support to fellow Floridians in need."
Ellison says Sen. Scott is no stranger to St. Matthew's House.
"He's been a longtime supporter of St. Matthew's house. When he was governor, he and Ann would spend every Thanksgiving down with us helping to care for the less fortunate," said Ellison.
"I know this is something he's experienced in his own life, poverty, and being raised under difficult circumstances and yet overcoming that."
St. Matthews House hosts mobile food pantries on Tuesdays and Thursdays at First Baptist Church of Naples, located at 3000 Orange Blossom Drive from 1:00-5:00 PM.
St. Matthew's house says it's also looking at ways to help families get through this hurricane season — whether it's providing food packages or possibly gas cards to those who are financially struggling.
