Community Cooperative distributing free turkeys Dec. 19 in Fort Myers, while supplies last
This story has been updated to correct the date and place for United Way holiday distribution
The holidays can be stress inducing. With many families still recovering from Hurricane Ian while battling inflation, here is a list of organizations offering help to those in need:
What: Community Cooperative is distributing free frozen turkeys to those in need this Holiday season.
Where: 3429 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. in Fort Myers
When: December 19 from 3 to 6 p.m. or while supplies last.
Additional information: Limit one per household and must show ID.
What: The United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades and Pine Island United Methodist Church are partnering with Tampa Bay nonprofit Metropolitan Ministries to provide Christmas assistance to Lee County.
Registered families will receive free food to cook (including a whole turkey or ham and all the essentials for a traditional holiday meal) and gift cards to purchase toys and gifts for children.
How to register: www.metromin.org/leeholiday
Volunteers needed: https://metromin.volunteerhub.com/vv2/lp/Leecounty
Distribution events:
Saturday, December 10th, 2022
Pine Island United Methodist Church
5701 Pine Island Rd, Bokeelia, FL 33922
Sunday, December 11th, 2022 (this location is now fully booked)
United Way of Lee County
7273 Concourse Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33908
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What: Toy and Clothing Drive, Concert and Community Health Fair
When: Saturday, December 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Fort Myers S.T.A.R.S. Complex,
2980 Edison Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33916
Additional details: After visiting with Santa and his elves attendees will be able to enjoy a variety of food trucks and family fun events for kids of all ages and a concert, featuring Grammy Award winning artists Anthony Hamilton and Tamela Mann. To R.S.V.P for this free event visit eventbrite
What: Breakfast with Santa Claus
When: Saturday, December 10th, 9 a.m. to Noon
Where: First Community Congregational Church, 200 Leeland Heights Blvd, Lehigh Acres
Additional details: Premier Mobile Health Services will be hosting their 4th Annual Breakfast with Santa event. Premier will provide free health screenings and can make appointments for free school physicals for children.
Children will have the opportunity to visit with Santa, receive a new toy, have their face painted and play some games.
Donations: Donations of new and unwrapped toys and new bicycles are still being collected. Donations can be dropped off at the Premier Mobile Health Services walk-in clinic located at 10676 Colonial Blvd, Suite #20, Ft Myers, FL 33913. Monetary donations can be made at www.premiermobilehealth.org
For further information: Call 239-288-7949.
If your organization is taking donations to help those in need during this holiday season, let us know and we'll add you to our online list. Please contact Erica Van Buren, underserved communities reporter for The News-Press and Naples Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Network, at EVanBuren@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: SWFL organizations are looking to spread holiday cheer this holiday season
