GREEN COVE SPRINGS – For the third year in a row, Winn-Dixie has donated money to help fight hunger in Clay County. The recent $9,400 grant from the Winn-Dixie Foundation will assist the Blessings in a Backpack program operated by the Magnolia Point Women’s Club at the Charles E. Bennett Elementary. The money will help provide weekend meals for 94 children for an entire school year. “Thank you Winn-Dixie for your generous support. Because of you, we have made a big impact on the lives of these children,” said Eloise Burman, club president.

One out of five children in Florida does not know where their next meal will come from. Every dollar will go directly to help fill backpacks with nutritious food. Bennett students signed a thank you poster, shown here, and presented to Mike Finnick, manager of the Green Cove Springs Winn-Dixie. Also shown from left are, school principal Shelley Lester, Nancy Nettuno, grant writer for the women’s club and Eloise Burman, club president.

Wellness center donates to Kids First

FLEMING ISLAND – Three Fleming Island businesses teamed up Jan. 7 to host what has been described as “a one of a kind” New Year’s After Party to benefit Clay County’s child welfare organization, Kids First of Florida. Left, Sarah Mickalsen of Select Health and Wellness on Fleming Island presents a $600 check to Ernie Cohen of Kids First. The Wellness Center partnered with Smith Endodontic and Ring Fitness to host the event, which included dancing, refreshments and wall where guests wrote down New Year’s resolutions.