Collier County: Where to give, get food and other supplies for Hurricane Ian survivors

Dave Osborn and Harriet Howard Heithaus, Naples Daily News
·8 min read
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There are many ways people can help those devastated by Hurricane Ian. Whether it's time, money, supplies, food or more, here's a list of organizations and groups offering ways the community can unite to provide assistance.

Before you give: Make sure the organization you're giving to is a trustworthy resource, either through past history, personal knowledge of the group or person, or by checking them against the charity ratings (see guidestar.org).

More ways to help: How to donate to Hurricane Ian victims through the Collier Community Foundation

Volunteers and staff of the Naples Senior Center distribute hot meals to homebound seniors on Oct. 12, two weeks after Hurricane Ian pummeled Southwest Florida Sept. 28, 2012. Courtesy Naples Senior Center
Volunteers and staff of the Naples Senior Center distribute hot meals to homebound seniors on Oct. 12, two weeks after Hurricane Ian pummeled Southwest Florida Sept. 28, 2012. Courtesy Naples Senior Center

Pride aid: bedding, furniture, food

Naples Pride is offering essentials to those in need after Hurricane Ian:  nonperishable food, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene products , bedding, clothing, shoes, small household appliances like microwaves, some tents and portable showers and sensory items for children with autism.

Those in need may contact the Naples Pride Center at 239-304-9407 to come in or have needs delivered.

The group is also collecting those items, new or in good, usable condition. Those can be dropped off from noon to 4 p.m. weekdays at the Naples Pride Center, 2248 Airport-Pulling Road, Naples. For a list of items sought, see a.co/4UUWNra  online; to donate online, see secure.givelively.org

Children's Advocacy Center homeless

The Children's Advocacy Center, which offers treatment and therapy for children who have been abused sexually and physically, needs a new temporary home. Its center was flooded by storm surge from Hurricane Ian, and CEO Jackie Stephens says CAC urgently needs temporary donated space or modest rental space.

That space would be for its therapy, forensic interviews, family safety visitations and parenting observations during the months of water extraction and reconstruction ahead at its Sixth Avenue North quarters.

The most critical help the center is seeking now is financial donations to allow it to clean and restore the center. Ironically, the damage came just after completed extensive renovations to serve the increasing number of severely abused children they serve.

Hurricane Ian’s storm surge completely wiped out furnishings, forensic exam equipment, play therapy and counseling support materials, along with new stuffed animals and hand-stitched quilts given them by supporters to be presented to each child on arrival to let them know they are safe.

To donate, visit CACcollier.org  caccollier.org

To offer facilities: contact Bryan Lee, blee@caccollier.org; mobile 239-682-4199

Diabetic help group offers medical care needs

Help A Diabetic Child announced it is partnering with Insulin for Life USA and a group of Southwest Florida community organizations through the Diabetes Alliance Network to bring lifesaving diabetes medical supplies and insulin to individuals of all ages who are dealing with diabetes and who were impacted by Hurricane Ian.

This collaborative effort offers diabetes medical screenings, insulin and medical supplies to anyone needing them as a result of the hurricane at no charge. John C. Querci, M.D., an Internist for DDC Health Care, has volunteered to serve the medical care needs for this crisis team response. To schedule an appointment with Querci, call 239-256-1609.

Avow Hospice seeks items

Avow Hospice of Naples, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, is seeking in-kind donations at its campus (just off the northeast corner of Naples) to supply necessities to Avow employees, patients and families.

Needs include towels, sheets, air mattresses, pillows, non-perishable food, water, Gatorade, personal hygiene supplies of toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, deodorant, paper towels, wipes, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, trash bags, first aid supplies, batteries, flashlights, chargers for batteries and cellphones, portable fans, blue tarps. Gift cards ($25 denominations are best) are also appreciated for gas, groceries and Walmart and Target items.

To donate cash, see avowcares.org.

Senior center offers lunch

Collier Senior Center-Golden Gate is collaborating with the American Red Cross to provide daily hot lunches at noon Monday to Friday for seniors in need. The Collier Senior Center is at 4898 Coronado Parkway.

The center is open to seniors and services are open 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays; call for service appointments.: 239-252-4541

Dropoff site for Ian survivors

The Dawn McKenna Group, affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty, is hosting an ongoing donation drive, benefitting St. Matthew’s House and the Humane Society of Naples.

Those who wish to donate can drop off items at the Dawn McKenna Group office, 550 Fifth Ave. S. Naples. Donations will be accepted 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday through the holiday season.

Items being collected for St. Matthew’s House include:

  • First aid kits and over-the-counter medicine

  • Cleaning supplies and Clorox wipes

  • Insect repellent

  • Adult and children’s clothes

  • Shoes and socks

  • Underwear

  • Toiletries and personal hygiene items

  • Blankets and towels

  • Nonperishable food items of all kinds (black beans, rice, peanut butter, pasta sauce, cereal, oatmeal, soups, etc.)

Items being collected for the Humane Society of Naples include:

  • Canned puppy and adult dog food

  • Canned kitten and adult cat food

  • Bath towels

  • Cat litter

  • Paper towels

  • Disinfectant wipes

  • Kuranda beds

  • Pill pockets for dogs and cats

More at dawnmckennagroup.com.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army of Collier County says it is currently providing 2,000 meals daily across the county ever since the night of the hurricane.

Staff and volunteers of Naples Senior Center distribute hot lunches to homebound seniors on Oct. 12, two weeks after Hurricane Ian slammed coastal Collier County with four feet of storm surge on Sept. 28, 2022. Courtesy Naples Senior Center
Staff and volunteers of Naples Senior Center distribute hot lunches to homebound seniors on Oct. 12, two weeks after Hurricane Ian slammed coastal Collier County with four feet of storm surge on Sept. 28, 2022. Courtesy Naples Senior Center

To make a financial gift to support Hurricane relief efforts, people can donate online at HelpSalvationArmy.org or  donate by phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769). According to The Salvation Army, 100 percent of designated disaster donations go to direct services for survivors and first responders.

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Drop off items at True Fashionistas

True Fashionistas Designer Resale, a consignment store at Suite 104 in the Galleria Shoppes in North Naples, is collecting supplies and nonperishable food donations and delivering them to Hurricane Ian victims in devastated coastal areas of East Naples and Naples Park in North Naples.

For details on types of donations needed, check the store's Facebook page. True Fashionistas is open for drop-offs from 10 a.m. to 3: p.m. now through this Saturday, Oct. 8, at Suite 104 in the Galleria Shoppes, at 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Road, North Naples.

Harry Chapin Food Bank, Collier County

Visit the Harry Chapin Food Bank website at harrychapinfoodbank.org for financial donations. The Naples location, for those who want to donate food items 8 a.m.-3 p.m., is at Collier County Center, 3940 Prospect Ave., No. 101, Naples, FL 34104. 239-334-7007

Collier Community Foundation reactivates relief fund

Yadira Hernadez leans on her son, Santiago Lopez, 13, in front of a mobile home that flooded and burned during Hurricane Ian Clean in Naples, FL, on Wednesday, October 5, 2022.
Yadira Hernadez leans on her son, Santiago Lopez, 13, in front of a mobile home that flooded and burned during Hurricane Ian Clean in Naples, FL, on Wednesday, October 5, 2022.

The Collier Community Foundation has reactivated its Collier Comes Together Relief Fund to help Hurricane Ian victims.

This allows the foundation to get immediate aid where it's needed most, according to the foundation's news release.

And 100% of the donations are given to nonprofits helping victims and their families without administrative fees.

"The fund serves to assure donors' support will reach its intended cause," the news release said. "Fraudulent sites pop-up following a disaster or emergency that mislead donors about where their funds will go."

For more information and to donate online to the Hurricane Relief Fund, visit colliercf.org, the direct link to the fund.

Checks may also be mailed to the Collier Community Foundation at 1110 Pine Ridge Road, Suite 200, Naples, FL 34108. Please note Hurricane Fund in the memo line.

Meals of Hope, Collier County

Meal packing organization Meals of Hope looks for volunteers to work at its mobile pantries for one-hour setup and three hour distributions. mealsofhope.org. 239-537-7775

St. Matthew's House, Collier County

St. Matthew's House is taking donations of money, food and clothing at its Naples location, or online at stmatthewshouse.org. Financial donations can be made at stmatthewshouse.org; bring food or clothing to the following locations: 2601 Airport Road S., Naples, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, or 630 W. Main St., Immokalee 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

Our Daily Bread, Marco Island

Marco-based food distribution center Our Daily Bread operates a pantry at 1450 Winterberry Drive, Marco Island, and mobile food pantries for those with no transportation. It needs financial donations and volunteers. See ourdailybreadfoodpantry.org or call 239-259-5188

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross serving Collier, Glades, Hendry, Highlands, and Lee counties is in need of volunteers and donations. To donate or volunteer visit redcross.org.

The Wonder Gardens

Lorikeets sit on a branch inside their new pavilion, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020, at the Everglades Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs.
Lorikeets sit on a branch inside their new pavilion, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020, at the Everglades Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs.

The Wonder Gardens, a botanical garden and wildlife enclosure in Bonita Springs is in need of supplies and monetary donations. For a list of supplies and to make a donation visit the website wondergardens.org/donations.

Alliance for Period Supplies of SWFL

Alliance for Period Supplies of SWFL serves Collier and Lee Counties providing period products to women and girls living in poverty. The organization is accepting donations. To make a donation visit the website apsofswfl.org.

Orlando Villegas, J. Lee Salon Suites donation drives

Orlando Villegas and J. Lee Salon Suite have set up donation drives in Naples and Bonita Springs.

They're accepting all food, clothing and supply donations and handing out free food for victims, linemen, and first responders.

The Naples location is 8965 Tamiami Trail N., and the Bonita site is 24880 S Tamiami Trail.

Matter Brothers Furniture

Matter Brothers Furniture, a furniture retailer based in Fort Myers with five stores throughout Southwest Florida, is partnering with The United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties. Donations are also accepted.

Anyone able to donate basic needs items is encouraged to drop off donations, between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at any of the open Matters Brothers Furniture locations listed below:

Naples Showroom: 7200 Trail Blvd., Naples, FL

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Hurricane Ian: How to help Collier victims with money, food, supplies