Soloist Beverly Cox sings “City of Palms.” PROVIDED

Residents who attended the Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Myers Tuesday, Feb. 6 contributed food and funds to help Sam’s Community Kitchen & Cafe of Community Cooperative feed the hungry in Southwest Florida.

About 792 pounds of non-perishable food along with more than $5,100 in cash contributions were collected at the 34th Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing, which was sponsored by the Galloway Family of Dealerships and Susan Bennett Marketing & Media.

“It is so gratifying to see our community coming together to help those less fortunate, especially during these economic times. The need has never been greater,” said the Rev. Dr. Paul deJong of First Presbyterian Church.

About 1,200 people attended the two performances, which featured members of the First Presbyterian Church Choir, and guest musicians.

Community Cooperative is an innovative nonprofit organization made up of social service entrepreneurs fighting to end homelessness and hunger in our community. It provides more than 26,000 meals each month through Sam’s Community Café, Meals on Wheels programs and school programs, distributes more than 2.1 million pounds of groceries through its Mobile Food Pantries, and serves 14,000 individuals and families with homeless and comprehensive case management services through its Social & Education Resource Centers. A proud United Way partner, Community Cooperative serves Lee and Collier counties.

Violinist Jeff Fabisiak. PROVIDED

In addition to Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing, First Presbyterian Church of Fort Myers also annually presents the Christmas Carol Sing in December at First Presbyterian Church. Both events benefit Community Cooperative, which was founded by First Presbyterian Church of Fort Myers along with other churches in 1984.

For more information about Community Cooperative, call 239-332-SOUP or visit communitycooperative.com. For more information about First Presbyterian Church, call 239-334-2261 or visit fpcfortmyers.org.

Rev. Dr. Paul deJong of First Presbyterian Church leads audience in prayer. PROVIDED

Rev. Roger Peterson leads audience in song. PROVIDED

Rev. Roger Peterson and Linda Digman Roll sing “God Bless America.” PROVIDED

View from the balcony. PROVIDED

(L to R) Renee Micelli, Community Cooperative CEO Stefanie Ink Edwards, Juan Ayala, Brooke Blake (Community Cooperative employees/volunteers). PROVIDED