Hurricane Irma


Southwest Florida Gives Back

Ways the community has stepped up to help those in need in the wake of Hurricane Irma

BY September 19, 2017

Southwest Florida has stepped up once again in a time of need. Even before Hurricane Irma made landfall, the calls for help started to go out. And the community answered.

Here, we're collecting the ways in which Southwest Florida organizations, businesses and individuals have given back since the storm. If you're looking to help, here's our list of ways you can. Contact us with information about how you or your organization has helped give back.

Harry Chapin Food Bank: As of Sept. 19, has distributed 1.8 million pounds of food, water and other supplies and held 15 mobile pantry distributions. More than 700 people were served at two distributions in Lehigh Acres three days after the storm.

Community Foundation of Collier County: The foundation has purchased $150,000 worth of Visa/MasterCard gift cards that will be distributed to victims of the hurricane. The money came through donations to the Collier Comes Together Disaster Relief Fund.

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre: According to a news release, "the theater fed 500 people on Wednesday, donated 500 lbs. of food to CCMI, and are distributing free ice to neighbors along the McGregor corridor as well as to organizations that are assisting areas that have been most affected."

American Red Cross: According to a news release, in Southwest Florida (Collier, Lee, Hendry Glades), Red Cross has provided more than 140,000 meals and snacks, has five open shelters with nearly 900 residents (as of Thursday 9 a.m.), and has distributed more than 31,000 relief supplies (clean-up kits, comfort kits, gloves, bleach, etc.).

 

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