Collier County has the largest concentration of migrant farm workers east of the Mississippi River. During the height of the growing and picking season, the population of school-aged migrant children can be upwards of 7,000. Migrant farm workers live in camps with multiple families in tiny trailers, many with holes in the floors, broken windows and no furniture, bare floors with little or no bedding. Many workers are undocumented and are not entitled to any assistance whatsoever. The children are innocent victims of circumstance and spend their young lives crisscrossing the country with their families, traveling from crop to crop. They must leave behind whatever personal belongings they have, keeping them in a constant state of need.

The goal of Bedtime Bundles is to provide every migrant child ages 3 -12 with a “Bundle” and their family with basic first aid supplies, toiletries, new or gently used clothing, pajamas, blankets, books, toys and food. Bedtime Bundles is a not-for-profit program that helps address the most basic needs of these migrant children by giving them an easy to transport pillowcase filled with these essentials.

Bedtime Bundles was started by Karen Saeks in her home with items being stored and bundles assembled in her garage. Through the efforts and generosity of friends and neighbors, local religious congregations, clubs, and corporations, Bedtime Bundles has grown in leaps and bounds. A donated office facility is now headquarters which allows us to expand and increase the number of children who are served. This past school year we have been able to exceed our goal of 1500 bundles!

As part of the partnership of the local religious congregations and local corporations, a second outreach for Bedtime Bundles is a “bread run”. In the early morning hours, seven days a week, volunteers from several churches and the synagogue drive to the two Publix stores on Marco and the Starbucks at the Esplanade to collect the left over breads and pastries. Delivery is made to the Manatee School and to the farm workers at 6L Ranch on Route 41. The need is great and this program is a benefit to all parties.

On Wednesday, March 23, 2011 from 5-7 pm, the 3rd annual Mutts and Martinis Yappy Hour benefiting the migrant farm workers will be held at CJ’s on the Bay at the Esplanade on Marco Island. The presenting sponsor is Seminole Casino Immokalee and 100% of all proceeds are to benefit children of migrant farm workers. There is a $5 donation which includes a free glass of wine, domestic beer or soft drink. Bring your four legged friends dressed to the nines so they can strut their stuff on the red carpet. If you are “fur – less” not to worry -please just come and have a great time for a worthy cause.

There are wonderful silent auction items to bid on. Again this year, The Golf Club at Fiddler’s Creek has generously and graciously offered four rounds of golf at the fantastic Creek Course.

Living in this beautiful area of southwest Florida we have so often heard the saying, “just another day in paradise”. It is easy sometimes to take this beautiful lifestyle for granted. For some of our neighbors who live in this paradise, everyday life is a struggle and it is hardest on the little ones.

If you would like to lend a helping hand or make a donation, please contact Fiddler’s Creek homeowner, Sandra Carinci at 239-207-0978.

Sandra Carinci is the Co-Chair Business/Civic/Congregational Liaison for Bedtime Bundles.

“From your heart to their homes – thanks a bundle”!

This entry was posted on Monday, March 14th, 2011 at 11:18 am and is filed under About Fiddler's Creek. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.