07/17/2026
When most people think of Collier County, they picture beautiful beaches, luxury homes and paradise.
But paradise isn’t everyone’s reality.
Just a few miles away in Immokalee, thousands of families are living in poverty. Some are raising children in overcrowded homes with broken appliances, mold, leaking roofs and conditions no family should have to endure. Many work some of the hardest jobs in our community, yet still struggle to afford safe housing and basic necessities.
My husband and I are fortunate to work hard and earn a good living, and even we feel the heavy pressure of how expensive it is to live in Collier County. That reality has made me think even more about the families in Immokalee who are trying to survive on a fraction of what many of us earn.
My dad struggled with addiction and experienced homelessness. I know what it feels like to love someone who is suffering and to see how easily people can become invisible when life takes them down a difficult path. That’s why this mission is so personal to me.
I don’t believe someone’s hardest season should define their worth. Whether someone is struggling with addiction, mental illness, financial hardship, or simply fell on difficult times, they are still a human being. They still deserve dignity. They still deserve compassion.
These are our neighbors.
My mission has never been to help just one part of Collier County. It’s to reach people throughout our community, including Immokalee, and remind them that someone sees them, someone cares, and that they matter.
As we get closer to our first collection season, I’m asking you to start setting aside any clean blankets, coats, hoodies, socks, gloves and hats you no longer need. Collection locations will be announced in September.
Together, we can bring warmth, dignity and hope to people who need it most.
Because compassion should never stop at a zip code. ❤️
