Foundation for Lee County Public Schools taking donations for Hurricane Ian victims

Nikki Ross, Fort Myers News-Press
·2 min read

The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools is raising money and collecting donations to help students, families, teachers and staff.

"We are truly heartbroken over the damage and destruction endured in our beautiful SWFL community," the foundation said in a news release Tuesday. "For most of us, this is the place we call home. As we recover from Hurricane Ian’s tragic impact, we will keep those who suffered greatly in our continued thoughts and prayers."

Foundation leaders said their teams and families are safe and their office, located in downtown Fort Myers, sustained minimal damage.

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The office, located at 2266 Second St., is operational with limited hours. It is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is power and internet.

"In the months ahead, we will remain focused on rebuilding SWFL and its schools, with strength and resilience as we stand together to help our cherished educators and students of the Lee County Public School District," the foundation said in the release. "The cornerstone of an economically strong community is a quality public education system.

"A crucial and quick return to normalcy for our schools and students will be of even greater importance, as we have already suffered the regression and misfortune of our classrooms, due to the lengthy impact of COVID."

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Monetary donations can be made online. Donations will go to a relief fund for teachers, students and families of Lee County.

The foundation is selling various Support Florida T-shirts with all profits being used to buy hygiene and clothing items needed by their Take Stock in Children and STAMP students and families. To purchase, visit the FoundationforLCPS Etsy store.

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The foundation is also taking donations of the following items:

  • Clothing, underwear, and shoes

  • Hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, razors, shaving cream, soap, hairbrushes, hair ties, etc.)

  • Blankets, pillows, and towels

  • Diapers and baby wipes

  • Gift cards (grocery/clothing/gas)

  • First aid supplies

For more information please call 239-337-0433 or email Marshall@leeschoolfoundation.org.

Nikki Ross covers education for the Fort Myers News-Press and Naples Daily News. She can be reached at NRoss@gannett.com, follow her on Twitter @nikkiinreallife, Instagram @reporternikkiinreallife or TikTok @nikki.inreallife.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Hurricane Ian: Lee Schools foundation taking donations for victims