INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Harvest Food and Outreach Center wants to thank the community for the outpouring of support concerning a recent robbery that took place at their Vero Beach location.
An air conditioning unit was taken from the Hunger Relief facility on 28th Street during the weekend of July 16. Generous donations from area businesses and individuals have enabled the center to restore air conditioning to the warehouse.
Harvest Food & Outreach Center is a non-profit agency providing vital assistance to many families and individuals on the Treasure Coast. Clients who otherwise have nowhere else to turn for food and other essential services in these difficult times would have ultimately suffered as a result of this theft.
The AC unit that was stolen cooled the food warehouse at the facility. Replacing the unit could have cost the organization nearly $10,000 from their funds meant to supply support to their clients.
Thankfully, the response from area businesses, churches and concerned individuals was immediate. Barker Air Conditioning, Trane, PD Go Web Solutions, Walmart, Holy Cross Catholic Church and private residents donated goods, services and money which enabled air conditioning to be restored to the center this past week.
County Commissioner Bob Solari was vital in expediting the necessary permits by personally donating to the cause.
The Harvest Food and Outreach Center Founder, Austin Hunt, would like to thank all of those involved.
“We are very thankful for our friends and supporters who helped us in our time of need,” he said. T”he impoverished of Vero Beach are so grateful for your compassion.”
HFOC provides assistance in a manner that helps preserve the dignity and self-esteem of their clients by offering a helping hand, not just a hand out. This new hunger relief facility is also the newest community outreach agency sponsored by Impact 100 and other key philanthropists in the community.
Because of the donations received in the past two weeks, the facility’s funds can once again be used for programs that help break the cycle of poverty.
Such offerings include the cost share grocery, crisis care, and educational classes. These services are designed to transform the lives of those in need by teaching them to become self-sufficient.
Anyone interested in becoming an HFOC advocate are encouraged to contact the Director of Donor Relations: Kristin Sposato – (772) 559-2240 or by e-mail commrelationsvb@harvestfoodoutreach.org
