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 North Port Coalition for Homeless/Needy Children, Inc. General Meeting Minutes

September General Meeting Minutes

September 1, 2026

The general meeting was called to order at 10:10 by Naomi at the Shannon Staub Library. 

The mission statement was read by all.

Introductions:

Everyone introduced themselves, and we welcomed several new volunteers.

Minutes:

The May Minutes were approved yesterday at the Board meeting.  The September minutes will be on the website.  

Financial Report:

Jeanne read the financial report for August.    Total Direct Income was $6,055.96, Grants were $10,000.00. Expenses were $13,289.44 which included our yearly storage fees.

Board Positions Needed:

 We still need a Volunteer Coordinator and a Fundraising Chair.  Naomi met several women at the Chamber meeting last night who might be interested.

Fundraising:

Applebees:   Judy went on their website to see if they are still offering Pancake Breakfast fundraisers.  She didn’t see anything about it online so she emailed the company.

Culvers:   Kim inquired about doing Culvers again.  We discussed the pros and cons, particularly having many volunteers giving out flyers outside in the heat.  Depending on the time of year, we could be open to doing it again.

Bags:

Small – 792     Large  - 205   Total  -  997

Volunteer Coordinator:

Sorting day is Friday, September 18th at 9 am; Packing and Delivery Day is Monday, September 21st at 9 am.    

We discussed the need for either a truck or many volunteers to deliver to Glen Allen, our biggest school.  Kim suggested seeing if we could get a trailer from the boy scouts.  Jim Kerr will ask Home Depot if they could donate a trailer 1x/month.       Dot said she would ask her husband if he was available with his truck on Packing Day.  As it turns out, she called him and he is free.  Dot emailed Susan to let her know the problem was solved for this month. 

Judy also gave a brief explanation of how Susan coordinates both Sorting and Packing Days.

Website:

Frank stated the website is up to date and also that it contains a lot of information.  He particularly highlighted the calendar, noting that if you click on an event, it will take you to the location of the event and directions.   He also said the latest updates on locations of Donation Boxes can be found on the website. 

Grants:

 Jollay Family:   $8,500. – not received yet

Gulf Coast Community Foundation:  We received a $10,000 grant

Publicist:

Donna and Frank made up several flyers and have been distributing them to the Chamber, the Library and other places.

On August 17th, we were featured on the Billboard of the North Port webpage.

The manager at Post Net said he would run some flyers for free.  We can email it to him.

Daniel from the Sun newspaper would like to do an article on us.  Naomi will give him background information, and Donna will ask him to take pictures at either the September or October Packing Days.

Kaeya from the City Commissioner’s office has a blog, and she will periodically include us on it.

Carol and Donna will meet to put together a welcome packet for new volunteers.

Kim had suggested we put our information in school newsletters and church bulletins.  Judy explained that she has a contact at each school and that children who receive free or reduced lunches are eligible.  The Pre-K’s use the voucher system as eligibility.  

Connie mentioned that since we now have Donna, our Publicist, on the Board, we should be getting information about us out more efficiently. 

Old Business:

Gallery:  We have begun to have our Board meetings at the Gallery.  Naomi will meet with Eva there to set up a meeting for us to introduce BPA to the residents.

New Business:

Dunkin Donuts:  Donation boxes are now in North Port, Sarasota and Ft. Myers.  

National Night Out:  September 25, from 6:00-8:30 at City Hall  

Health Fair:  September 26th from 8:00-Noon at the Mullen Center

Newcomers Day:  November 7th from 10:00-Noon at the Mullen Center. Volunteers were asked to signup, usually two people minimum staff these events 

Poinsettia Parade & Festival Day:  December 5th.  This is a long day, so we do several shifts of volunteers.

Raffle for a Cruise:  Yesterday Judy gave some information to the Board members to look over.   All we would have to do is sell tickets.  Donna asked if the cruises only go out of California.  Judy said she is sure they go out of Florida also, but she will clarify it with someone at the Chamber. 

Wellen Park High School:  The new high school is in our North Port area.  Judy emailed the principal and hopes to meet with him to assess their needs.

Scrapbook:

Linda is working on 2025.  She also plans to do a memory book of just pictures.  It was suggested we take the books to events.  Judy will get 1 or 2 of the books and keep them in the suitcase that we take to events.

Naomi adjourned the meeting at 11:24

     OUR NEXT GENERAL MEETING IS

                                    TUESDAY October 6th 2026 @ 10:00 am                              

at the Shannon Staub Library