Blessings in a Bag

A group of compassionate and mission-driven LECOM Bradenton scholars have established a nonprofit organization called DO More. The organization, based in Orlando, Florida, was formed during the Christmas 2020 holidays. At a time when many people found themselves daunted by the COVID bleakness, DO More stepped in with an uplifting encounter. Since that time, the mission to provide Blessings in a Bag has expanded to seven cities and fourteen sites across the nation, from New York to California.

The bag of blessings contains essentials such as toiletries, hygiene products, and nonperishable foods. As a team, the scholars promote online fundraising focused upon purchasing the needed items. They then come together to fill and donate the bags to a charity or church of the team's choice.

The project was founded by fourth-year LECOM student, Cody Barbari. “We have witnessed this charity thrive magnificently in a very short time,” remarked the caring scholar. In just under three months, the DO More organization raised more than $7,000 to benefit individuals living in underserved cities.

The motivated team has opened several sites; and students are rotating in periodic sessions to allow additional LECOM scholars the opportunity to participate in the venture. The organization hopes to continue the charity by passing the mission to future classes to DO More for years to come.