Lady Lake, FL – The Orange Blossom Gardens (OBG) Lions Club has announced a commitment to fund monthly truck rental costs for the Community of Gratitude Food Pantry for one year, ensuring the organization can continue securing large-scale food donations from Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.
The funding will provide $500 per month for 12 months to cover rental fees for a moving truck required to transport pallets of food from Second Harvest’s Orlando distribution center to the pantry’s local facilities. The initiative addresses a critical logistical barrier that has limited the pantry’s ability to obtain high-volume donations needed to meet growing community demand.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is one of the largest hunger-relief organizations in the region, distributing millions of pounds of donated food each year to partner agencies across more than half of Florida’s counties. Many of its most impactful donations are distributed by the pallet, requiring recipient organizations to have access to box trucks or similar vehicles for safe and efficient transport.
Community of Gratitude Food Pantry serves families and individuals throughout the Lady Lake and surrounding areas, providing groceries and essential food items to households experiencing food insecurity. Without reliable access to a suitable vehicle, the pantry risks losing consistent access to bulk donations that can supply hundreds of families each month.
“This partnership is about more than just transportation. The truck helps bring dignity and stability so families don’t have to wonder where their next meal will come from,” said Barbara Crewell, President of the OBG Lions Club. “By covering this expense for the next year, we’re giving Community of Gratitude the breathing room they need to focus on serving people today while planning for a permanent solution tomorrow.”
The long-term goal is for Community of Gratitude to purchase its own truck through auction at an estimated cost of $20,000. The Lions Club’s one-year commitment is designed to provide time for the organization to raise funds toward that purchase while continuing uninterrupted food pickup operations.
“Reliable transportation is the difference between helping dozens of families and helping hundreds,” said Robert Vass, member of the OBG Lions Club. “This funding bridges an immediate gap, but the real victory will be when the pantry owns its own truck and can expand its reach even further.”
Community members, businesses, and organizations are invited to support the truck purchase fund. Donations can be made online at www.obglions.com or by check payable to “OBG Lions Club” and mailed to:
- Vass
938 Orchid Street
Lady Lake, FL 32159
The Orange Blossom Gardens Lions Club is part of Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest service organization, dedicated to improving health, supporting communities, and serving those in need. Locally, the OBG Lions are actively involved in food security initiatives, vision care support, disaster relief, youth programs, and other community-focused service projects throughout the region.
