B & I Contractors hosts day packing meals at the United Way

B & I Cares

Saturday, Oct. 29, representatives of B & I Contractors Inc., United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades, Harry Chapin Food Bank and Meals of Hope teamed up with more than 130 volunteers to pack over 50,000 meals for people in our community at a time when they need it most.

The Day of Action took place at the United Way located at 7273 Concourse Drive in South Fort Myers.

“B & I has continued to strive in a tough economy, so we wanted to contribute back to the community that has helped us grow and maintain that success,” said Lee Hahn, operations manager for B & I.

Ten person teams made up of men, women and children aged six years and above spent just over two hours packing the meals. B & I also raised $10,000 from employees and business partners to pay for the meals.

The meals will be distributed to pantries within approximately 30 miles of the company's office on Prince Street in Dunbar.

"We're just thrilled that B & I pulled all these people together," said Cliff Smith, president of the local United Way. "To give up their Saturdays to do this, it's just really cool."

United Way’s Days of Caring is a year-round program that connects businesses with nonprofit agencies in need of assistance. Businesses have many choices as they select projects needed by the agencies, including the type of project, location in our community, degree of physical labor and full-day or half-day time commitment. About 46 companies have held a United Way Day of Caring in the last year.

Melinda Isley, m.creativepr, 239-274-7736 or (239) 565-1630 melinda@mcreativepr.com

For more pictures, check out our Facebook page B & I Cares 2011