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Times of the Islands Magazine

11 Nonprofits in SWFL to Volunteer with and Support During this Upcoming Season of Giving

Oct 20, 2021 05:00PM ● By Jessica Wagner

Photo Courtesy of Harry Chapin Food Bank's Website

With 2021 winding down, the next few months are a time when many people like to volunteer their time or resources to help those in need. If you’re looking for some ideas to get yourself or the whole family involved, here are 11 nonprofit organizations that could use some assistance and donations as they continue their missions during the final three months of the year.



Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s mission is to conserve and maintain Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems. They do this “through [their] focus on Water Quality Research, Policy and Advocacy, Sea Turtles and Shorebirds, Native Landscaping, Habitat and Wildlife Management, and Environmental Education,” according to their website.

SCCF wants to connect you with nature. They have many diverse programs, including nature trails, the Bailey Homestead Preserve, Sanibel Sea School, and a variety of research that has been conducted and published. If you’re looking to donate to an organization that preserves nature, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation is for you.

To learn more, check out their website today!



FISH of SanCap

FISH of SanCap began almost 40 years ago when neighbors of Sanibel Island wanted to help each other. Today, FISH of SanCap relies on donations and volunteers to continue its mission of “neighbors helping neighbors” through assistance, education, enrichment, and social services.

Partnered with United Way, FISH of SanCap offers programs such as Hurricane Preparedness, Senior Services, Friendly Faces Luncheon, Backpack Program, and many others. With 92% of every dollar going directly to their programs and volunteers needed on a daily basis, FISH of SanCap is a great place to give back.

For more information, visit their website today!



Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW)

CROW, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, is an animal hospital and visitor education center dedicated to saving wildlife. Through their use of veterinary care, research, and education, CROW continues to help thousands of animals each year.

Not only does CROW offer services for sick animals, but they also provide education for the general public, as well. They have live camera feeds, interactive displays, and presentations to teach about wildlife to the surrounding community. “Each year more than 200 volunteers dedicate thousands of hours helping rescue, care for and rehabilitate wildlife,” according to CROW. If you’re looking for a nonprofit that supports animals and survives on volunteers, CROW might be for you.

To learn more, check out their website today!



Meals on Wheels of Bonita Springs

Meals on Wheels of Bonita Springs provides daily meals to the elderly, disabled, or chronically ill adults. As these meals are delivered to their homes, the recipients also receive a friendly check-in to ensure they are doing well. The nutritious meals are delivered to both long- and short-term neighbors, depending upon their needs. Not only do Meals on Wheels provide nourishment for humans, but they can also provide food and care products for their animal companions, as well.

“With the help of caring volunteers and dedicated staff, the Meals on Wheels family works together to take care of the people who have often spent their lives taking care of others,” according to their website. Volunteers are needed on a daily basis and donations are accepted to help ensure this nonprofit continues to look after those in need.

For more information, visit their website today!



Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs

The Centers for the Arts in Bonita Springs is an organization that seeks to “provide a wide range of affordable cultural activities that appeal to the whole family and improve quality of life,” according to their website. It offers arts education, performances, exhibitions, films, and other events throughout the year geared toward the whole family.

The Centers for the Arts relies on donors and volunteers to help it continue its mission of being a not-for-profit organization. There are several ways in which you can donate, including AmazonSmile, its Annual Fund, Planned Giving, and Corporate Sponsorships. Plus, you can become a member or volunteer your time to help support this cause.

For more information, visit their website today!



Sunrise Group of Southwest Florida

The Sunrise Group is a nonprofit organization with a mission to serve those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Sunrise Group has grown exponentially, going from just helping those in Southwest Florida to helping over 2,000 individuals across many states.

There are customized services for a wide variety of disabilities that are tailored to meet the needs of the individual. These services range from “minimal support and supervision to the most complex medical and behavioral supports,” according to their website. One of their goals is to help the individual achieve “higher levels of independence, self-determination, personal responsibility and access to the community.”

For more information on how to volunteer or donate, visit their website today!



Abuse, Counseling, & Treatment, Inc.

Abuse, Counseling, & Treatment, Inc. is dedicated to helping those who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Their mission is to “protect, support, educate and empower victims of domestic violence and their children, survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking in Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties,” according to their website. They promise to honor the individual, regardless of race, gender, disability, age, or any other differences from person to person.

Part of their goal is to create a community where all feel safe and welcome and can get the help and resources they need to move forward. Not only can you donate your time by volunteering, but ACT is also looking for personal care items, such as pillows, towels, mattress covers, deodorants, etc.

For more information on how to best serve ACT, check out their website today!



Gulf Coast Humane Society

Gulf Coast Humane Society is dedicated to caring for pets that have been left behind. As a no-kill shelter, each pet is cared for until they find their forever home. They provide the necessities for survival, such as food and shelter, but they also provide medical care and assist in the adoption processes for families who are interested.

There are a variety of ways in which you can help, including donating money, as well as volunteering. Some of the ways that you can volunteer include helping at the shelter, fostering an animal, K-9 education, and more.

For more information, visit their website today!



Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida

Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida aims to end hunger in the local communities. It is the largest food bank in Southwest Florida, serving 5 counties. They distribute food and other grocery products through various programs, such as its Care and Share Senior Feeding Program, Commodity Supplemental Food Program, Harry’s Helpings, Fulfill Mobile Pantry Program, In-School Pantry Program, and its Partner Agency Program. By distributing more than 24 million pounds of food per year, this food bank truly helps those in need in the communities it serves.

For more information on how to volunteer your time and money, visit their website today!



The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools

The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools aims to strengthen the quality of Lee County Public Schools by increasing community involvement and support. With education the top priority, there are many programs, such as mentoring, business partners, and enrichment, where you can assist. They not only strive to help students but teachers, as well, through their programs.

For more information on how to donate, visit their website today!



Southwest Florida Symphony

Southwest Florida Symphony’s mission is to “perform outstanding orchestral music for the enrichment, entertainment, and education of the broadest possible public,” according to its website. Each year they put on a series of concerts, as well as provide programs tailored to youth that are interested in music. Plus, they host a Young Artists Competition and offer multiple scholarship opportunities.

For more information on how your donations make a difference, check out their website today!