How to Help Southwest Floridians Affected by Hurricane Ian
Florida is still in recovery from this devastating hurricane. Please scroll through the entire page as there are many different ways you can offer support to those affected by Hurricane Ian.
Click here for Free Food and Water Sites for Hurricane Ian Recovery
DONATIONS
Florida’s CFO, Jimmy Patronis, encourages individuals who want to donate to Hurricane Ian relief to contribute at www.FloridaDisasterFund.org.
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.
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.
Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife CROW is in need of monetary donations to assist in continuing care for wildlife.
City of Cape Coral Special Populations Center, 410 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33991. Open 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.
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 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. Drop-off location: 1455 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples, FL from 8am-4pm (Monday through Friday).
Collier Community Foundation Collier Comes Together Hurricane Relief Fund; donations are distributed to nonprofits serving victims and their families.
Community Cooperative Support the Lee Country 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 donations of towels (most needed), Romaine lettuce, apples, carrots, corn, oranges, bleach, water detergent, hand sanitizer, reusable ice packs, carbon filters, D-batteries, ant bait traps. Amazon Wishlist and Chewy Wishlist
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.
FK Your Diet 19630 S Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, FL, 33908. Feeding the community for free (while supplies last); can donate via Venmo (@Amy-Eldridge-5) or Cash App: $amymeldridge
Fort Myers Beach Community Foundation #WeAreFMB Fund; donations will support those on Ft. Myers Beach; online donations accepted.
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: GCHS Wish List or GCHS Donation Page
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; locations and times are being continuously updated.
Healthcare Network Anyone interested in assisting our work is encouraged to make a donation to 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.
Humane Society Naples 370 Airport-Pulling Rd, Naples, FL 34104. Needing monetary and items donated. Items needed: pellet litter, clay non-clumping litter, dog crates (airline type only), cat crates and soft toys for dogs. Monetary donations 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.
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.
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.
Valerie’s House Hurricane Ian Relief Fund; donations will go directly to help the organization’s families in need during this time
VOLUNTEERING
Better Together 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, 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).
Community Cooperative Needing volunteers to help with food distribution and more.
Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida Needing volunteers to help with food distribution and more.
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.
Meals of Hope Needing volunteers to help with food distribution and more; email Judy at judy@mealsofhope.org.
The Naples Players Needing pre-registered volunteers from 10/3-10/5, 8am-6pm, to play games and hang out with students. If interested, email Maya Kleinsorge at mkleinsorge@naplesplayers.org.
Our Daily Bread Needing volunteers to help with food distribution and more.
The Wonder Gardens Needing help daily to clean up and clear the grounds. Show up at anytime between 9am-2pm through the back gate and wear closed toed shoes. Bring gloves and tools, should you have them.
LOCAL BUSINESSES COLLECTING ITEMS 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. 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).
The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First Street, Fort Myers, FL. Accepting donations for those affected by Hurricane Ian. Any food, clothes, shoes and sanitary supplies are welcome.
ESTERO
Local Honey 23190 Fashion Dr., Estero, FL 33928; drop-off Monday-Wednesday from 11am-5pm; collecting: clothing donations only, children’s clothing priority
Hertz Arena 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero, FL 33928. Donations in high demand: pillows, blankets, air mattresses, hygiene products. The arena is currently being utilized as a shelter.
NAPLES
Coldwell Banker | Realty 550 5th Avenue South, Naples, FL; Accepting donations for: 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.
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: donations of any kind (food, water, toiletries, shampoo, conditioner, etc.)
Manuka Salon 1201 Piper Blvd, Suite 15, Naples, FL; Accepting donations now through October 8 for their food drive to support St. Matthews House. Top need items are: canned tuna/lunch meats, canned veggies, macaroni and cheese, canned beans, rice, pasta, canned sauces, cereal and Chef Boyardee.
Seed to Table 4835 Immokalee Rd, Naples, FL; On Saturday, October 9th from 1-9pm they will be accepting donations for non-perishable food items to the bins at the front of the store.These will go directly to St. Matthews House and Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida. Purchase a Seed to Table gift card and the amount will be donated directly to St. Matthews House and Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida.
Spavia Day Spa 6340 Naples Blvd., Suites 4 & 5, Naples, FL 34109; collecting: non-perishable foods, cans (that do not require a can opener), diapers, wipes, toiletries, toothbrush, toothpaste, brushes, body wash, shampoo and conditioner (helps if you tape them together), hand wipes, hand sanitizer, work gloves, contractor trash bags, paper towels, small packages of paper plates and plastic cutlery, cleaning products, bleach, laundry detergent, batteries (size D and AA), adult and children’s clothing and shoes
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.
True Fashionista 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Unit 104, Naples, FL 34109; drop-off today through 10/8 from 10a-3pm; collecting: non-perishable foods, cans (that do not require a can opener), diapers, wipes, toiletries, toothbrush, toothpaste, brushes, body wash, shampoo and conditioner (helps if you tape them together), hand wipes, hand sanitizer, work gloves, contractor trash bags, paper towels, small packages of paper plates and plastic cutlery, cleaning products, bleach, laundry detergent, flashlights, batteries, sleeping bags, tents, etc.; no clothes or bedding please
OFFERING SERVICES
Studio de Cirque 4755 Mercantile Ave Unit 2, Naples, FL. Offering child care through the week while schools are closed (Oct. 3-Oct. 7 from 10am-2pm). All ages. *Call Ahead*. Volunteers, crafts and donations are welcome.
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.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services commissioner Nikki Fried and the state’s chief financial officer Jimmy Patronis warns residents and businesses of Florida to be aware fraudulent websites and charity fraud schemes targeted at Hurricane Ian relief assistance, while providing resources to research and safely donate to storm recovery. According to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which regulates charitable organizations in the state, it recommends individuals to research organizations in the state by going to its Check-A-Charity database or by visiting its consumer resources website.
An individual may call 1-800-HELP-FLA to verify if a charity organization is properly registered in Florida. For assistance in Spanish, call 1-800-FL-AYUDA. Patronis has caution about donating to imposter crowdfunding websites and use the Federal Trade Commission’s resources on donations and avoiding charity scams.
Gilmore Giving Tree 
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