First there was “The Full Monty”, the 1998 Oscar nominated movie in which unemployed steelworkers regain their sense of purpose as male strippers. Then came “Calendar Girls” a dramatization of the true story of a group of middle aged women who bare nearly all for a calendar to raise funds for leukemia. Now Sanibel Island firefighters are getting into the act with a calendar in which thirteen firefighters bare their chests against a backdrop of island locations to raise money for charity. As Wendy Humphrey reports it took them nearly a year to prepare.

Perhaps the most vulnerable population in this economy is the frail elderly – aging in place with diminishing resources. There are some 5,000 local Senior Nutrition Programs in the United States providing more than one million meals to seniors each day. The mission of Senior Friendship Centers of Southwest Florida is to keep those people in their homes, and Meals on Wheels is a major tool. WGCU’s Valerie Alker recently rode along for some meals on wheels deliveries and has this report.

The Collier County Chapter of the Salvation Army is kicking off an aggressive kettle campaign this year. WGCU’s Valerie Alker reports.

Saturday marks the second annual Survivors United in Naples Community Walk at Sugden Regional Park. The fundraiser benefits the crisis intervention work by the non-profit Project HELP, which works with victims of sexual assault and other violent crimes as well as grieving loved ones after a suicide or homicide. As WGCU’s John Davis reports, Project HELP’s small staff is working hard to meet an increased need for services in the down economy.

The hunger relief charity Feeding America is teaming up with the Harry Chapin Food Bank to boost efforts to feed underserved children in Southwest Florida. WGCU’s John Davis reports.

The parking lot at the Cape Coral United Way House was filled to capacity Friday morning with area residents taking advantage of Free Food Friday. WGCU’s Valerie Alker reports.

A new way to feed the hungry has taken hold in Southwest Florida.  The
Everyday Marketplace in Ft. Myers is now open – offering people in need
choice and dignity.  WGCU’s Valerie Alker has more.

This is National Salvation Army Week – so named by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1965.  Last year the Salvation Army of Lee Hendry and Glades Counties provided food to thousands of people.  It also runs a successful faith based substance abuse rehabilitation program.  WGCU’s Valerie Alker talked to Major Ann Penhale about the Army’s evolving mission.  Penhale is 25 year veteran who’s worked her way up the ranks.

Do you have some cans or jars of gourmet gift foods you know you’ll never eat taking up cupboard space?  Why not donate them to this year’s National Association of Letter Carriers ”Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive.  WGCU’s Valerie Alker has more. 

The weather warming should be good news for farmers - but not necessarily the farm workers.  The next harvests of vegetables like tomatoes may not come until mid-April.   So many are struggling to pay rent and put food on the table.  The Salvation Army is trying to fill that gap for hundreds in Immokalee until work returns.  WGCU’s Luis Hernandez reports.