Pelican Marsh Students Raise $6,100 to Help Feed Local Families in Collier County

In a reminder that big impact can come from small acts of kindness, students at Pelican Marsh Elementary School in Collier County stepped up to support families facing food insecurity.

The students raised more than $6,100 for the WINK News “March to a Million Meals” campaign, part of the annual WINK Feeds Families initiative that helps stock local food banks across Southwest Florida.

The funds will go toward providing meals for families in need through the Harry Chapin Food Bank, one of the region’s largest hunger-relief organizations.

For the students, the project was about more than raising money.

Teachers say it was also an opportunity to show how a school community can rally together to help neighbors who may be struggling.

The fundraising effort involved students and staff working together to collect donations and support the regional hunger campaign.

Events like this are part of the WINK Feeds Families program, which encourages schools, businesses and residents to help raise money and awareness for hunger relief.

Even relatively small donations can go a long way.

Food banks like Harry Chapin are able to stretch contributions significantly by purchasing food in bulk and working with regional suppliers, turning donations into thousands of meals for local families.

The Pelican Marsh donation contributes to the broader March to a Million Meals effort, which aims to generate enough resources to provide more than one million meals across Southwest Florida.

The campaign typically runs each year through late winter, encouraging schools, businesses and community groups to participate.

Students at Pelican Marsh celebrated their achievement alongside WINK News anchor Lois Thome, who visited the school to recognize the effort and highlight the impact the donation will have in the community.

Food insecurity continues to affect thousands of families across Southwest Florida, including many children.

Community programs like WINK Feeds Families help fill the gap by supporting food banks and partner organizations that distribute groceries and meals throughout the region.

For the students at Pelican Marsh Elementary, the fundraiser became more than just a school activity.

It became a real-world lesson in compassion — and a reminder that even young people can play a powerful role in strengthening their community.

And thanks to their efforts, thousands of meals will soon reach families who need them most.