food
United Way Broward surprises senior with special volunteer project to celebrate 104th birthday
By Matthew Garcia at WSVN 7 News
· July 17, 2026
· 1 min read
United Way Broward hosted a special celebration for a South Florida senior’s incredible milestone. Jean Colker thought she was making a normal visit to United Way Broward on the way to lunch in Fort Lauderdale, Friday afternoon. She was met with a surprise, as volunteers went all out to host a speci
Key takeaway Colker, who was celebrating her 104th birthday, was treated to a special volunteer service project, which saw more than 200 food bags assembled to be distributed to local seniors, veterans and families experiencing food insecurity.
Why this matters in The Miami
In a city like Miami , where a significant portion of the population is comprised of seniors and families from Latin American and Caribbean communities, events like the one hosted by United Way Broward take on a special significance. The fact that over 200 food bags were assembled to be distributed to local seniors, veterans, and families experiencing food insecurity highlights the pressing issue of food insecurity in South Florida. Miami's own struggles with poverty and access to nutritious food make this effort a welcome respite for many. As the city continues to grow and evolve, with neighborhoods like Little Havana and Wynwood experiencing gentrification, it's heartening to see organizations prioritizing the needs of vulnerable populations. The inclusion of gifts from Colker's family in one of the food bags adds a touching personal element to the project, demonstrating the potential for community-driven initiatives to bring people together and make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
About this story
Original reporting by WSVN 7 News . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSVN 7 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: food ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: WSVN 7 News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? United Way Broward hosted a special celebration for a South Florida senior’s incredible milestone. Jean Colker thought she was making a normal visit to United Way Broward on the way to lunch in Fort Lauderdale, Friday afternoon. She was met with a surprise, as volunteers went all out to host a speci
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by WSVN 7 News and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Matthew Garcia at WSVN 7 News. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more food coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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