Teen Sisters' Efforts To Feed Hungry Attracts NFL Star

BELLEAIR, FL — On Thursday, the Belleair Police Department and the Mike Alstott Family Foundation donated money to supply Christmas dinners to Feeding the Fosters Inc. nonprofit.

Founded by two teen Clearwater sisters, Laura and Samantha Kopec, in 2019, the organization is responsible for feeding more than 25 foster families and more than 200 individuals each Christmas.

Fifteen-year-old Laura and 16-year-old Samantha Kopec began cooking for the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch Cottage a few years ago after Samantha noticed a small boy stuffing rolls into his pocket so he wouldn't go hungry later.

The sisters now serve meals to more than 160 people every night.

“We have a lot of community events with restaurants and businesses. They support us and we support them,” Laura Kopec said.

Additionally, the girls are collecting gifts for nearly 100 children this Christmas.

“We have a whole room in the back of our house that literally looks like Santa’s workshop right now," Samantha said.

Former NFL fullback Mike Alstott of St. Petersburg stopped by Belleair's Town Hall to present the check to the sisters. Alstott also stuck around to visit with children benefiting from the donation.

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Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 54 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.

Related story: Local Hero: Student Starts Project To Help Feed Foster Families