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St. Matthew’s House, in partnership with the District School Board of Collier County, continues its food distribution program at Golden Gate High School every Tuesday, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., through August 11. Golden Gate High School is located at 2925 Titan Way. St. Matthew’s House also will continue food distribution every Thursday, from 1 to 5 p.m., at First Baptist Church of Naples, at 3000 Orange Blossom Drive. “Hunger and food insecurity affect many of our families, and the need has definitely escalated with the recent COVID-19 pandemic,” shares Collier County Public Schools (CCPS) Superintendent Dr. Kamela Patton. “With summer now upon us, we are happy to be working with St. Matthew’s House to provide even more meals to families in need.” According to St. Matthew’s House President and CEO Vann Ellison, “We are grateful to Dr. Patton, Golden Gate High School Principal Dr. Tobin Walcott and the Collier County School Board for partnering with us to make the Golden Gate High School location available. This is helping us to better accommodate the growing number of our hungry and homeless neighbors seeking help to feed their families as a result of the economic impacts of COVID-19. Sadly, the number of people needing help has grown exponentially. Our food distribution program previously served 30 to 70 families weekly. Now, we are serving between 1,500 and 2,000 families weekly.” For 32 years, St. Matthew’s House has provided food, shelter and comfort to those struggling with poverty, food insecurity and homelessness. St. Matthew’s House is the only emergency homeless shelter in Collier County, sheltering more than 300 men, women and children every night, and providing more than 500,000 meals each year to those in need. To sustain these programs, donations of canned goods and food staples such as rice, beans, pasta and other basics are needed. Monetary donations and donations of gently used furnishings, housewares and clothing for St. Matthew’s House thrift stores also are welcome. Curbside drop off is available at all St. Matthew’s House Thrift Store locations in Naples, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers and Immokalee. Thrift Store hours are Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. St. Matthew’s House is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that does not solicit government funding. For information, visit STmatthewshouse.org or call (239) 774-0500.