Hurricane Relief Organizations in Southwest Florida

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.

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.

Operation BBQ Relief www.OBR.ORG

· Operation BBQ Relief has meals they are serving Port Charlotte; Fort Meyers, Bradenton, and other surrounding cities.

· Operation BBQ Relief has brought semi-trucks, RV’s, tents, and equipment and have a set up upwards the size of two football fields.

· We have the capacity with all our equipment operating to serve 60,000 hot meals each day. Our team is comprised of world champion pitmasters and chefs so the food is delicious and nutritious.

· BBQ brings feelings of comfort and hope as one of America’s favorite pastimes.

· They serve first responders and communities in need.

Individual Meals served daily at noon each day: Charlotte Sports Park

(spring training site for MLB team, TB Rays)

2300 El Jobean Rd.

Port Charlotte, FL 33948

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.

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:

St. Matthew’s House: Needing monetary donations; this organization offers emergency housing and food programs.

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.

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.

VOLUNTEERING:

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.

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.

Meals of Hope: Needing volunteers to help with food distribution and more; email Judy at judy@mealsofhope.org.

Charlotte County Speaks with Ken Lovejoy