Preferred Travel of Naples collected over $2500 worth of school supplies for Immokalee Children

(Naples, FL – August 25, 2020) Back to school is a little different this year than in years past, however the need is the same for children living in Immokalee. Aware of the need, Preferred Travel of Naples collected school supplies and backpacks during the months of July and August. With the efforts of staff, clients and one travel advisor in particular, two carloads of supplies were collected by Preferred Travel.

“We are so proud of our team for pitching in to collect needed items for the children of Immokalee,” said Olga Placeres, President of Preferred Travel. “Tina Gelinas, Independent Travel Advisor, and her family collected nearly $1500 worth of school supplies alone – we were all very impressed.”

According to Tina, she and her family were inspired to help others in 2012 when 60 Minutes ran an episode about homeless students in Florida. As she and her sons watched, they felt the need to get involved and started by supporting a WINK TV Stuff the Bus campaign. They set up a lemonade stand and collected donations for that event and her sons received a Do the Right Thing award from the City of Fort Myers for their efforts.

Since that time, Tina and her family have been collecting and donating to the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools. This year, Tina decided to focus her efforts on the need in Immokalee and support her team members at Preferred Travel.

Pastor Arnie Coones, Reach Assembly Church of Immokalee, works with individuals and businesses each year with the goal to collect enough back packs and supplies to serve at least 500 children. According to Pastor Coones, this year with the help of Tina and her family, Preferred Travel of Naples, and 15 other businesses and individuals, the church was able to serve over 1,000 children.

School supplies and backpacks were distributed to children in Immokalee by a “drive-through” event on Saturday, August 22 by Pastor Arnie Coones and volunteers at Reach Assembly Church in Immokalee.

For information about Preferred Travel of Naples, please call (239) 261-1177, toll free 800-523-3716 or visit www.preferrednaples.com.

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