The Arlington Residents Raise Money and Collect Food for Our Daily Bread Food Pantry

The power of community and the spirit of generosity were on full display at The Arlington as residents came together for the 2026 Fall Food Drive, raising an impressive $14,845 in financial contributions and collecting 300 pounds of food to benefit Our Daily Bread Food Pantry.

Held October 1–3, the successful three-day drive reflects The Arlington residents’ ongoing commitment to supporting local families and helping address food insecurity throughout Marco Island and Naples.

This year’s food drive carried special significance as the community joined in celebrating the 10th anniversary of Our Daily Bread, an organization founded by five women at The Family Church. For a decade, Our Daily Bread has worked to provide essential food assistance to individuals and families facing food insecurity throughout the area.

Ten Years of Making a Difference

The celebration began September 24 during The Arlington’s Men’s Coffee, when residents welcomed Vicki Johnson, one of the founders of Our Daily Bread, and Jean O’Neill, an Arlington resident and organizer of the 2026 Fall Food Drive. Together, they shared the organization’s history, mission, and the meaningful impact it has made in the community over the past decade.

Founded on the belief that no neighbor should have to face hunger alone, Our Daily Bread Food Pantry provides food assistance and support to individuals and families throughout the local community. Through the generosity of donors, dedicated volunteers, and community partners, the organization continues to help ensure that nutritious food reaches those who need it most.

For Jean O’Neill, organizing the annual food drive is about more than collecting donations. It is an opportunity to bring neighbors together around a cause that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

“Seeing our residents come together with such generosity and enthusiasm is truly inspiring. Every donation represents more than food or financial support. It represents compassion, kindness, and a community that cares about making a difference in the lives of others. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed and helped make this year’s drive such a success,” said O’Neill.

Vicki Johnson, founder of Our Daily Bread, expressed her heartfelt appreciation for The Arlington’s continued partnership and support.

“For 10 years, Our Daily Bread has been committed to helping our neighbors facing food insecurity. The generosity of communities like The Arlington makes it possible for us to continue this important work. These donations mean so much to the families we serve, and we are deeply thankful to everyone who opened their hearts to help. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the fight against hunger,” said Johnson.

A Community That Cares

The Arlington’s residents and leadership share a longstanding commitment to charitable outreach, volunteerism, and making a positive difference beyond their own community.

Evelyn Rossetti Ryan, Executive Director of The Arlington, emphasized the importance of bringing people together to support organizations that address critical community needs.

“Our Daily Bread Food Pantry was founded on a simple but powerful belief: when a community comes together, we can ensure that no neighbor faces hunger alone. The Arlington’s residents and leadership have demonstrated that spirit in an extraordinary way. Their generosity, compassion, and commitment to caring for others create a ripple effect that reaches far beyond this community and directly impacts the lives of local families experiencing food insecurity. We are deeply grateful for this partnership and honored to stand alongside The Arlington as we work together to nourish our neighbors and build a stronger, more caring community.”

Michelle Bettigole, Executive Director at The Arlington, also highlighted how community involvement reflects the values that make The Arlington such a special place to live.

“What makes The Arlington such a special community is the willingness of our residents to come together for causes that truly matter. Supporting Our Daily Bread is a wonderful example of how we can make a difference beyond our own community. It is heartwarming to see so many residents participate and give so generously.”

For Barbara Ann Heegan, Director of Business Development at The Arlington, the food drive holds an especially personal meaning. In addition to her role at The Arlington, Heegan volunteers at Our Daily Bread, giving her a firsthand perspective on the organization’s mission and the families it serves.

“Having the opportunity to serve both The Arlington community and volunteer at Our Daily Bread gives me a special appreciation for the impact of this generosity. I see firsthand how important food assistance is to local families. The support raised through this food drive will help make a real difference, and I am proud to be part of a community that cares so deeply about its neighbors,” said Heegan.

The Power of Neighbors Helping Neighbors

The results of the 2026 Fall Food Drive reflect the extraordinary generosity and collective spirit of The Arlington community:

$14,845 raised in financial contributions.

300 pounds of food collected for Our Daily Bread Food Pantry.

One shared mission to help fight hunger and support local families.

Behind these numbers are residents, organizers, volunteers, and supporters who recognize that caring for others is an essential part of building a strong and compassionate community.

As Our Daily Bread celebrates 10 years of service, The Arlington is proud to be part of its continuing story. The success of this year’s food drive demonstrates what can happen when neighbors come together with a shared purpose and a commitment to helping others.

Through acts of generosity, volunteerism, and community engagement, The Arlington’s residents continue to show that making a difference doesn’t require a grand gesture. It begins with people who care and are willing to take action.

Ten years of service. One caring community. A shared commitment to helping wipe out hunger.