Gulfport Senior Center Food Pantry Receives Hundreds of Donations

Elizabeth Brown Worthington celebrated her 15th birthday just two weeks ago and instead of heading to the mall with birthday cash or packing away birthday gifts, she's hand delivering nearly 500 donated food items to the Gulfport Senior Center food pantry.

"It's a great way to help the city," Worthington said.

For the past four years Worthington has asked her guests to bring an item to donate rather than a gift for her. She hopes her bright idea and community service will inspire other teens as well.

"It's just a great feeling, that you made someone's day," she said.

Gail Biron, Gulfport Senior Center Supervisor, says Worthington is a bright girl with a big heart. "What kind of kid asks for food donations in lieu of gifts," she said. "I wish there were more people like her," Biron added.

Worthington dropped off the donations along with two $50 checks to the Gulfport Senior Center on Friday. It just so happened that on the same day residents at Town Shores dropped off between 200 and 300 donated items as well. Biron says Town Shores is holding a food drive for the next couple of months.

Between both donations, Biron says it was a great day for the pantry.

If you would like to help the Gulfport Senior Center food pantry you can drop off cash donations and food items Monday through Friday. Biron says they are in great need of canned meats, cereal, canned soup and pet food and supplies.

The pantry helps about 20 Gulfport seniors every week. To qualify for assistance, you must be 50 years of age or older, be a Gulfport resident, and show you have an income that is considered at the poverty level, based on government guidelines.

For more information call (727) 893-2237 or email mpscfoundation@tampabay.rr.com. Drop off donations at the Gulfport Senior Center at 5502 27th Ave S.

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