JFCS of the Suncoast hosting fundraiser to feed Hurricane Ian victims
The JFCS of the Suncoast has started a fundraiser to collect money to buy groceries and hot meals for people impacted by Hurricane Ian.
Several food trucks will host a distribution event at the JFCS parking lot, 2688 Fruitville Road in Sarasota, on Wednesday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Donations to the fundraiser will help cover the cost of the meals. Organizations, churches, subdivisions, businesses, and community representatives can pick up meals to distribute to community members in need.
To donate, visit jfcs-cares.org/hurricane-relief-free-food-truck-fundraiser. Participating food trucks include Smokin Momma Lora’s BBQ, Dee’z Diner, Florida Poutine Co. and Q&S Kool Kups. For more information, contact Karen Pharo, JFCS director of community outreach, at kpharo@jfcs-cares.org or 941-400-6685.
JFCS also offers a variety of counseling and mental health services. Contact the Intake Department at 941-366-2224, ext. 116, or visit: jfcs-cares.org/mental-health-and-counseling.
Catholic Charities of Venice
opens disaster response sites
The Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice has opened disaster response sites throughout southwest Florida to aid those suffering in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.
“Catholic Charities and The Diocese of Venice are working together to ensure that we are doing all we can,” said the Most Rev. Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice. “There are many in need of help, and we are grateful for those who have volunteered their time, talents, or resources in the service of our brothers and sisters in need.”
Catholic Charities is accepting donations of food and water at its Sarasota Regional Office, 5055 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota (941-355-4680), Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. In addition, some parishes are setting up emergency supply distribution centers, including:
• San Pedro Parish, 4380 Tamiami Trail, North Port, Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3 p.m.-7 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• St. Paul Church, 1330 E. Oak St., Arcadia, Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3 p.m.-7 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• St. Michael Church, 408 Heard Bridge Road, Wauchula, daily 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5 p.m.-7 p.m. (Hot meals from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. on Sunday).
• Centro Juan Diego, 28360 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs, Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3 p.m.-7 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Elizabeth Kay Galeana Center, 4235 Michigan Ave., Fort Myers, Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3 p.m.-7 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Jesus the Worker Parish, 881 Nuna Ave., Fort Myers, Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• St. Katharine Drexel Parish, 1922 SW 20th Ave., Cape Coral, Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m.-noon.
For more information, to donate, or to volunteer, visit Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice at catholiccharitiesdov.org and dioceseofvenice.org/hurricaneian.
Gulf Coast Foundation provides
$800,000 match for Ian relief
The Gulf Coast Community Foundation has activated a Hurricane Ian Disaster Relief Fund fueled by an $800,000 initiative that will match contributions to support those most impacted by Hurricane Ian.
Donations can be made at gulfcoastcf.org/hurricane-ian-disaster-relief-fund. Checks can be mailed to Gulf Coast Community Foundation, 601 Tamaimi Trail S., Venice FL 34285 with “Hurricane Ian” in the memo line. The fund will focus on recovery and rebuilding in southern Sarasota County, including Venice, North Port, Englewood, Charlotte County, Lee County, and DeSoto County.
“At Gulf Coast , we stand ready to provide hyper-local, rapid response to those in need and we have multiple ways to provide immediate assistance,” Gulf Coast CEO Mark Pritchett said.
Submissions by Melanie Hayes, Karen Schwarz, and Rachel Denton
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: JFCS of the Suncoast hosting fundraiser to feed Hurricane Ian victims
