Gulfshore Strong Cover Pic New
The moment the storm passed, first-responders, nonprofits and citizens jumped to action to help our region start to rebuild. The loss we have faced is immeasurable, but already our community’s Gulfshore Strong spirit is evident. Individuals and small businesses launched supply drives and recovery efforts overnight, neighbors have set up stations to provide hot water and coffee to first-responders, restaurants that could get operational again opened their doors with free food, and groups like Collier Community Foundation and Collaboratory are doing what they do best by assessing needs and directing our funds and energies in the right direction. We know you’re eager to help, so we’re gathering information on places to donate your time, treasure and talent to get Southwest Florida back to the safe, beautiful Paradise we know and love. Please note: It is still recommended that you drive as little as possible for your own safety and so recovery crews can quickly get where they need without traffic or obstructions. In many cases, donations are most valuable to nonprofits during this time.
DONATIONS:
Avow Hospice: In-kind donations are now being accepted at the Avow campus to supply necessities to Avow employees, patients and families. Needs include towels, sheets, air mattresses, pillows, personal hygiene supplies of toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, deodorant, wipes, non-perishable food, water, Gatorade, cleaning supplies, trash bags, first aid supplies, batteries, flashlights, battery and cell phone chargers, portable fans, blue tarps, paper towels and toilet paper. Gift cards ($25 denominations best) are also appreciated for gas, grocery, Walmart and Target. Any support will make a difference. To donate cash, visit avowcares.org.
Better Together: Donations of supplies (tarps, batteries, gas cans, water, non-perishable food, diapers, baby formula, personal hygiene kits, etc.) are being accepted at Cape Christian, 2110 Chiquita Blvd. S., Cape Coral, FL 33991. Monetary donations also being accepted.
Beverly's Angels: 13020 Livingston Rd., Suite 10., Naples; drop-off Oct. 11 from 11:30am-1:30pm; collecting: new socks and underwear in all sizes, diapers, formula, baby wipes, Tide pods, gift cards to Walmart, Home Depot and Publix.
Captains for Clean Water: Emergency Disaster Relief Fund; donations will go directly to providing supplies and operational support to the ongoing relief and recovery efforts, including support to the local guide community.
Charlotte Community Foundation: Charlotte County Disaster Relief Fund; funds will be used to provide financial assistance and resources to Charlotte County residents impacted by Hurricane Ian.
Charlotte County Volunteer Reception Center: Donations of food and goods are being accepted at St. Vincent de Paul, 25200 Airport Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. Donations of cash can be made online at COADFL.org.
Child's Path: needing healthy snacks for preschool students after the food program was impacted by Hurricane Ian; collecting: healthy snacks (yogurt, applesauce, fresh fruit, crackers (ie: Goldfish, animal crackers, saltines, whole grain), pretzel sticks, hummus and cheese sticks. *Snacks have to be store-bought to comply with regulations (ie. whole fruit or store-packaged, not sliced at home). Contact Education Director Jodi Garrett at jodig@childspath.org to coordinate drop-off and to answer questions.
City of Cape Coral: Special Populations Center, 410 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33991; drop-off daily from 8am-5pm. Currently accepting essential items only, which are limited to water and non-perishable food. Clothing and non-essential supplies will not be accepted.
Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife: CROW is in need of monetary donations to assist in continuing care for impacted and injured wildlife.
Collaboratory: SWFL Emergency Relief Fund, in partnership with United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties; funds will support SWFL nonprofits helping people affected by Hurricane Ian.
Collier Harvest Foundation: 1455 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples, FL; drop-off Monday through Friday from 8am-4pm; accepting donations for: canned goods (fruit, vegetables, soup, peanut butter, etc.), dry goods (oatmeal, beans, cereal, granola bars, etc.), baby food, diapers, pet food. Monetary donations also accepted.
Collier Community Foundation: Collier Comes Together Hurricane Relief Fund; donations are distributed to nonprofits serving victims and their families.
Community Cooperative: 3429 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Ft. Myers, FL 33916. Needing monetary donations, as well as donated items. Drop-off daily from 8am-5pm (though easiest to receive donations between 1:30-4:30pm); seeking donations of: bread (top priority), diapers (top priority, especially adult diapers), nonperishable food items. Monetary donations can be made to their Lee County Strong Emergency Relief Fund; donations received will assist those in need with getting their lives back on track after the storm.
Conservancy of Southwest Florida: 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples, FL 34102. Needing monetary donations, as well as donated towels.
Family Initiative’s Autism Support Center: 734 SW 4th St. Cape Coral, FL. Seeking donations of nonperishable food items, cases of water, batteries, or financial contributions. If donors are unable to deliver items, Family Initiative can arrange pick up as well as the distribution of goods to families, if possible. If you are in need or for more information about donation needs, contact Rachel Fecteau by calling 239-220-1387 or emailing rfecteau@fi-flordia.org.
F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva: Includes a hurricane program and food program to assist affected members of the community. Monetary donations accepted via online payment or through bank wire transfer.
Fort Myers Beach Community Foundation: #WeAreFMB Fund; donations will support those on Ft. Myers Beach; online donations accepted.
Gladiolus Food Pantry: 10511 Gladiolus Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33908. Needing monetary donations, as well as items donated. Drop-off Monday through Saturday from 11:00am-4:00pm; collecting: canned corn, green beans and peas, boxed mashed potatoes, cleaning supplies (mops, brooms, cleaning solutions, sponges, etc.), snack foods (chips, crackers, etc.), toilet paper, baby food can openers; clothing donations are not being accepted at this time.
Gulf Coast Humane Society: 2010 Arcadia Street, Fort Myers, FL. 33916. Closed for the foreseeable future; needing monetary and items donated; donations can be dropped off from 9 am to 3 pm at the facility. Most-needed items include: Pet food and treats, canned cat and dog food, bleach, blankets, linens and towels (all three can be used); other items can be found here:
Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida: This hunger-relief nonprofit is accepting monetary donations to help those in need of food as well as non-perishable food; drop-off locations and times are being continuously updated.
Healthcare Network: Needing monetary donations via the Community Outreach Fund. Funds will be used to purchase much-needed supplies, including bottled water, canned goods, personal care items (shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste), baby diapers and adult briefs for our elderly. Visit healthcareswfl.org/donate.
The Heights Foundation: 15570 Hagie Drive, Fort Myers, 33908. Needing monetary donations, as well as items donated. Drop-off Monday through Friday from 10am-2pm; collecting: baby products (diapers, formula, baby wipes), water (gallon jugs), first aid supplies, cleaning supplies (bleach, Clorox wipes, shop towels, buckets, mops, brooms), rakes, trash bags, gloves (yard work and rubber), flashlights and batteries, clothing and shoes (new socks and underwear for men, women and children, bras, shoes, rain boots, kids and baby summer clothing in good condition), hygiene products (toilet paper, feminine hygiene products (small boxes or individually wrapped), toothpaste, toothbrushes, hand and body soap, shampoo and conditioner), linens (towels, washcloths, bedding, pillows, shop towels), dog and cat food, bicycles (for adults), lighters; Amazon Wishlist; monetary donations can be made here
Humane Society Naples: 370 Airport-Pulling Rd, Naples, FL 34104. Needing monetary donations, which will go to helping animals displaced by the storm; HSN will deploy its Mobile Vet Clinic to impacted communities, provide pet food bank assistance and emergency boarding. The organization will also take some of Gulf Coast Humane Society’s misplaced animals.
Interfaith Charities of South Lee: 17592 Rockefeller Circle, Ft. Myers, FL 33967. 8am-1pm; needing food and cleaning supplies donated.
Kiwanis Club of Ft. Myers Beach: 11050 Summerlin Square Drive, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931. Daily from 9am-4pm; collecting: clothing.
Lee Health Foundation: Needing monetary donations; donations will provide critical resources, equipment and supplies to the Lee Health hospitals and medical clinics.
The Naples Players: Hurricane Ian Scholarship Fund; donations will help families offset the costs of the arts education programs during this difficult time of rebuilding.
The Shelter for Abused Women & Children: Needing monetary donations, as The Shelter's Options Shoppe, as well as a transitional living cottage, suffered damage during Hurricane Ian.
St. Matthew’s House: Needing monetary donations; this organization offers emergency housing and food programs.
Think Pineapple: Needing monetary donations to distribute food in Lee and Collier Counties; $15 provides one hot meal; supply donations are being collected at Porsche Naples (3147 Davis Blvd.) through Friday from 8am-6pm; collecting: water, nonperishable food items, towels, baby food/formula, baby diapers, toothpaste, toothbrushes, paper towels, razors, shampoo, body wash, food gift cards, hygiene items, gloves, trash bags, cleaning supplies.
Valerie's House: Hurricane Ian Relief Fund; donations will go directly to help the organization's families in need during this time.
VOLUNTEERING:
American Red Cross: Needing volunteers for day-to-day shelter activities such as reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, and information.
- Needing volunteers to provide short term childcare to first responders, essential workers and families in need of getting their children into a safe environment.
- Needing volunteers to help deliver resources to families and care for children, including driving supplies to families who don’t have means of transportation, as well as to provide transportation to families who need to leave the area until power is restored.
Charlotte County Volunteer Reception Center: Looking for volunteers to help with the disaster response. To register and receive an assignment with an agency that needs assistance, individuals should go to the VRC, which is located at 227 Sullivan St., Punta Gorda, FL 33950. It will be open from 7 – 11 a.m. daily. If you have already registered on the COADFL.org site as interested in volunteering, you will be contacted and do not need to register again.
City of Sanibel: If you have resources such as boats, equipment, services, skills or other things you can share, email volunteer@mysanibel.com and provide your name, resource available, phone number and email address. It is recommended to submit your information via this email address also for those looking to volunteer with Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF).
Community Cooperative: Needing volunteers to help with food distribution and more.
Eva's Closet: Needing volunteers to help with organizing donations and assisting with the food pantry. Call (239) 339- 3216.
Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida: Needing volunteers to help pack and distribute food and water, as well as volunteers with experience in administration.
Gulf Coast Humane Society: Needing pre-registered volunteers (not accepting new volunteers at this time) to rake up leaves and yard debris; chainsaws and saws needed to cut large trees and branches, please bring gloves and safety glasses if you have some.
The Heights Foundation: Needing volunteers to help at their center; email Emery Lowden at emery@heightsfoundation.org.
IMAG History & Science Museum: Needing volunteers to help with assembling their "Inspiration-on-the-Go" science kits and other special initiatives; e-mail Emily@theIMAG.org for additional information and to sign-up.
Meals of Hope: Needing volunteers to help with food distribution and more; email Judy at judy@mealsofhope.org.
Our Daily Bread: Needing volunteers to help with food distribution and more.
Rebuild SWFL: Needing volunteers to help with clean up. Locations change daily (updated on Instagram). Tips before you go: wear closed toed shoes (construction boots recommended), protective clothes, work gloves, N95 mask for interior cleaning, water and a snack, sunscreen, towel, hat, trash bags and useful tools if you have any; carpool as much as possible as there is limited parking; don't bring valuables that can get lost or broken.
United Way: United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties is seeking volunteers to assist with Hurricane Ian recovery efforts. Visit the volunteer portal to sign up for up-to-date post-hurricane volunteer opportunities.
Valerie's House: email or call CEO Angela Melvin if you would like to get involved; angela@valerieshouse.org; (239) 478-6734
The Wonder Gardens: Needing volunteers for clean up and repairs. Sign up online or email education@wondergardens.org.
LOCAL BUSINESSES COLLECTING ITEMS & FUNDS TO DONATE:
BONITA SPRINGS
Southwest Florida Regroup: 3384 Woods Edge Cir., Suite #103, Bonita Springs, FL 34134; drop-off Monday-Wednesday from 9am-4pm; collecting: water, canned food, baby wipes, baby formula, bug spray, sunscreen, plastic utensils, trash bags, toothbrushes and toothpaste, pet food, hand sanitizer, shoes, socks, clothes, can openers, etc.
FORT MYERS
Dwayne Bergmann: 12195 Metro Pkwy STE 1, Fort Myers, FL 33966. The designer set up a supply station in his Fort Myers headquarters to provide with water, disinfectant wipes, food, baby and pet supplies, feminine products, flashlights, batteries etc.. Dwayne has trucks driving over from the east coast with thousands of supplies. Stop by from 10am-1pm on Sunday 10/2 if you need supplies. He is accepting donations of items and monetary donations to recover costs and get more supplies. Donate via Venmo (@dbinteriors) or Zelle (@dwayne@dwaynebergmann.com).
Elite DNA Behavioral Health: 6430 Plantation Park Ct Ste 200 (Plantation); 4310 Metro Pkwy Ste 205 (Metro); and 228 Plaza Dr, Ste D (Lehigh Acres). Collecting non-perishable food, gently used clothing and essential items including baby products, water, first aid supplies, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items. Supplies will be delivered to Heights Foundation, Harry Chapin Food Bank and Community Cooperative to be disseminated to regions of greatest need.
FK Your Diet: 19630 S Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, FL, 33908. Needing monetary donations to continue feeding the community for free; can donate via Venmo (@fkyourdiet), Cash App ($fkuniversity), PayPal, check (FKU, 19571 Bowring Park Rd. #101, Fort Myers, FL 33967) or cash can be dropped off at their Ft. Myers restaurant location; Amazon Wish List; also collecting nonperishable food, water (gallon jugs), cleaning supplies, new socks, new undergarments (infant through adult sizes)
Palm City Brewing: 7887 Drew Cir #130, Ft. Myers, FL 33967; drop-off through the weekend from 12-7pm; donations will benefit Eva's Closet; collecting: hygiene items, body wash or bar soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, cleaning products, diapers (size 6), batteries, non-perishable food; donate supplies and receive a free pint (limit one per person)
The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center: 2301 First Street, Fort Myers, FL; drop-off Tuesday through Thursday from 10am-4pm; collecting: baby food, formula, towels, blankets, water, tissues, toilet paper, paper towels, first aid supplies, non-perishable food and children's toys.
ESTERO
Local Honey: 23190 Fashion Dr., Estero, FL 33928; drop-off Monday-Wednesday from 11am-5pm; collecting: clothing donations only, children's clothing priority
NAPLES
Coldwell Banker | Realty (The Dawn McKenna Group): 550 5th Avenue South, Naples, FL; Accepting donations to support St. Matthew’s House and the Humane Society of Naples. Items requested include: adult and children’s clothes, shoes and socks, underwear, toiletries, blankets, towels, non-perishable food items, canned puppy and dog food, canned kitten and cat food, cat litter, paper towels, pet beds, disinfectant wipes, pill pockets for dogs and cat.
Elite DNA Behavioral Health: 2230 Venetian Ct Ste 1. Collecting non-perishable food, gently used clothing and essential items including baby products, water, first aid supplies, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items. Supplies will be delivered to Heights Foundation, Harry Chapin Food Bank and Community Cooperative to be disseminated to regions of greatest need.
Kunjani: 780 Seagate Dr, Naples, FL; Accepting donations for hurricane relief: baby diapers, baby wipes, toys, cleaning supplies, paper plates, plastic cups, plastic cutlery, toilet paper, bottled water, Gatorade, trash bags, batteries, non-perishable foods, pet food, towels, toiletries, feminine products and flash lights. They will be open from 7am-1pm through Oct. 7, then regular hours starting Oct. 8.
Lake Park Diner: 944 7th Ave N, Naples, FL 34102; collecting: bleach, buckets, washcloths, towels, heavy duty garbage bags, personal hygiene supplies.
St. John’s Evangelist: 625 111th Ave N, Naples, FL; Accepting donations for: bottled water, Gatorade, non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies, garbage bags, toilet paper, paper towels, paper goods, clothes, underwear/socks, toiletries, diapers, baby wipes, baby formula and large plastic containers. Also, accepting monetary donations and gift cards to Publix, Walmart, Home Depot, SAMS Club and Costco. If you are in need, call (239) 566-8740.
Unique Wood Floor Co.: The Collective 111 10th St. S., Suite #204, Naples, FL 34102; drop-off Monday through Friday from 10am-4pm; collecting: non-perishable foods, individually packaged waters, Gatorades, etc., diapers, wipes, formula, feminine products, body wash, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, bleach, dish soap, white vinegar, first aid kits, blankets, trash bags, paper plates, disposable utensils.
ONLINE
Jade Strings: collecting monetary donations via Venmo to purchase gift cards and supplies for those affected in Pine Island and beyond; Venmo: @jadestrings
KWCares: a Keller Williams initiative is raising funds in an effort to purchase more supplies needed by residents of Fort Myers and other affected areas. A GoFundMe page is live and currently taking donations
Marissa Collections: collecting monetary donations to support relief, recovery efforts and benefit victims and families of Hurricane Ian through the Hunger and Homeless Coalition of Collier County, Harry Chapin Food Bank, Conservancy of Southwest Florida, The Shelter for Abused Women & Children and All Hands and Hearts; the Marissa Collections Fund is providing a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $50,000
OFFERING SERVICES
Venjhamin Reyes Photography: Offering complimentary photography services for insurance purposes to those in the Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral area whose main residence was damaged by Hurricane Ian.
Chatbooks: Offering to reprint lost photos from Hurricane Ian at no cost; contact support@chatbooks.com