Wesley Chapel deli owners have a heart for helping people in need

WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — The owners of an Italian deli in Wesley Chapel have a real heart for helping people in need.

Charles and Nancy Frankulin set up a food pantry inside their business, and during the holiday season they were making sure kids got Christmas presents. 

Inside Bosco’s Italian to Go, Charles loves everything about making pizzas. He’s able to spin the dough with his hands to get it just the right size.

“I have been doing this so long that half the time I don’t even have to look at what I am doing,” he said.

Then, before adding the toppings, he runs a roller over the dough. “This pokes little holes in the dough so, if any bubbles start to form, they can only go so far before they hit one of these little holes,” he said.

In the front lobby of Bosco’s, Nancy was proud to show off their food pantry made up of some shelves by the front window.

“So this is the Bosco’s food bank,” she said. “We have everything from cans of chili to vegetable soup.”

Nancy said the couple set up the pantry during the pandemic when people had lost jobs and would sometimes come in to ask for a free slice of pizza. Customers have been very gracious to bring in food and even toiletries. A back part of the business is devoted to keeping pantry supplies organized. 

“They bring everything in, and then me and my husband sort it out,” said Nancy. 

During the Christmas season, the couple organizes a gift drive for less fortunate children. Customers would bring in the gifts, and Charles and Nancy would wrap them and place them around a tree.  

“The high school football team actually donated this for my teenagers,” Nancy said about some small boxes containing gifts that teenagers would like. 

The couple feels like they are acting on their faith by helping people. “And that’s what we do. We are called to serve,” Nancy said. “We are called to give. And we are answering the call.”

Charles loves the Christmas season.

“It’s joy. The entire time of the year. It’s presents and family, food, fun. I wish it was year round,” he said.

This year the couple was able to provide presents for 80 children.