First responders, charitable organizations, and local residents sprang into action as soon as the storm passed to aid in SWFL's reconstruction. Although the damage we have experienced is incalculable, in our Gulfcoast community there is a strong will present. Overnight after the storm, people and small businesses started supply drives and recovery efforts, neighbors set up stations to give first responders hot water and coffee, restaurants reopened offering free food, and organizations did what they do best by collaborating and determining needs and focusing our resources in the right places. We are assembling a list to donate your time because we know you're eager to assist with the recovery efforts of SWFL and watching the paradise that we know and love return back to normal.
A wonderful way to get started is by visiting Search (volunteerflorida.org) there is a long list of even the cops and fire fighters looking for volunteers.
VOLUNTEERING:
American Red Cross: Needing volunteers for day-to-day shelter activities such as reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, and information. American Red Cross | Help Those Affected by Disasters
- Needing 250 volunteers on Tuesday, Oct. 11 to make contact with every household in the Suncoast Estates community in North Ft. Myers and provide supplies and learn what is still needed; meet in the parking lot of Suncoast Baptist Church, 2033 Laurel Ln., North Ft. Myers, FL 33917; two shifts are available: 9am-12pm and 1-4pm; lunch will be provided from noon to 1pm; kids are welcome.
- 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. Better Together | Keeping Families Together (bettertogetherus.org)
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. Charlotte County Volunteer Reception Center | Charlotte County, FL (charlottecountyfl.gov)
City of Sanibel: If you have resources such as boats, equipments, 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).
Home | City of Sanibel (mysanibel.com)
Community Cooperative: Needing volunteers to help with food distribution and more. Soup Kitchen Fort Myers | Community Cooperative communitycooperative
Eva’s Closet: Needing volunteers to help with organizing donations and assisting with the food pantry. Call (239) 339- 3216. Eva's Closet (evas-foundation.org)
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. Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida
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. Your Furever Friend is Here - Gulf Coast Humane Society in SWFL
The Heights Foundation: Needing volunteers to help at their center; email Emery Lowden at emery@heightsfoundation.org. The Heights Foundation – Building strong, self-sufficient families in Harlem Heights in Fort Myers, Florida
IMAG History & Science Museum: Needing volunteers to help with assembling their “Inspiration-on-the-Go” science kits and other special initiatives; middle and high school volunteers also needed for camp throughout the week of Oct. 10; e-mail Emily@theIMAG.org for additional information and to sign-up. IMAG History & Science Center (theimag.org)
Meals of Hope: Needing volunteers to help with food distribution and more; email Judy at judy@mealsofhope.org. Meal Packing - Meals of Hope
Our Daily Bread: Needing volunteers to help with food distribution and more. Life Expectancy | Our Daily Bread (odb.org)
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. Tuesday, Oct. 11 location:
- Isles of Capri: 111 Hilo St. E., Naples; 9:30am-3pm; distributing ice, donations and meals
Valerie’s House: email or call CEO Angela Melvin if you would like to get involved; angela@valerieshouse.org; (239) 478-6734 Valerie's House (valerieshouse.org)
- Barbecue for the Valerie’s House Families: All week of Oct. 3; 12pm-5pm; 1762 Fowler Street; bring your grill, hot dogs and hamburgers
- Items/Services Needed:
- Gift Cards at any level
- Volunteers to help with Valerie’s House families that have flooded, remove trees and help with roof damage, tarps, etc.
- Generators for families with the greatest need
- Helping Valerie’s House grandparents understand how to apply for FEMA and other assistance
- Hotel night stays for families without a home
The Wonder Gardens: Needing volunteers for clean up and repairs. Sign up online or email education@wondergardens.org. The Wonder Gardens - Bonita Wonder Gardens
AmeriCares (charity code 0315518), a health-focused relief and development organization, is responding to the impact of Hurricane Ian with medicines, relief supplies and emergency response teams.
Project HOPE (charity code 0316050) Project HOPE is responding to help people impacted by Hurricanes Fiona & Ian. Your gift today helps our teams prepare for emergencies and continue our lifesaving work around the world.
The Salvation Army (charity code 1478728) has prepared field kitchens and other relief supplies, including food, clothing, tarps and clean-up kits to help along the Gulf Coast.
The American Red Cross (charity code 0337346) is working around the clock with our partners to provide help to people struggling with the heartbreaking damage left behind by Hurricane Ian.
Direct Relief (charity code 0316325) has committed an initial $1 million in funding for Hurricane Ian relief efforts and has made its $100 million+ medical inventory available for medical needs in the region.
International Medical Corps (charity code 1479246) relieves the suffering of those affected by conflict, disaster and disease, often in difficult and dangerous environments. We deliver vital healthcare services and training that help devastated populations move from relief to self-reliance.
Save the Children (charity code 0315475): Hurricanes and severe weather events can destroy or disrupt infrastructure critical to children’s well-being. Save the Children’s emergency response team is mobilizing to meet the most urgent needs of children most impacted by Hurricane Ida. Your donation today supports this life-saving work.
Humane Society Disaster Relief (charity code 0314983): Our Animal Rescue and Response team is prepared to answer the call for any large-scale emergencies, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, earthquakes, utility outages and more.
Source: Gulfshore life, volunteer florida