Thank you for your interest in helping your community after Hurricane Ian struck our area. We  understand the need to want to help your community recover and couldn’t agree with you  more.  

When disasters strike, we see the best of our nation come together. Neighbors become family; strangers become friends. But oftentimes, folks want to do more and help the greater good.  Post-disaster, every contribution is given with the right intentions, but potential donations of  “items” may not be practical to receive, transport, distribute, or may not address the most  immediate needs.  

If there is an absolute need to donate items, we ask that you contact local food pantries and  donate non-perishable items to them as needed. Local options include: 

The Harry Chapin Food Bank which can be accessed at www.harrychapinfoodbank.orgMeals of Hope at www.mealsofhope.org 

Our Daily Bread Food Pantry at www.ourdailybreadfoodpantry.org 

Feed Thy Neighbor at www.stmonicasnaples.org 

St. Matthews House at www.stmatthewshouse.org 

Sadly, during times of crisis there are those who will attempt to prey on the vulnerable,  including fraudulent organizations. That is why Collier County Emergency Management asks for  cash donations to trusted charitable organizations.  

Cash donations are the biggest need after a disaster! Keeping donations local helps to fulfil  area needs and stimulate our local economy. Here are a few that would benefit from your  generosity: 

The Collier Community Foundation is BCC-approved and vetted, and has helped Collier County  and its citizens for many years. The Community Foundation is a tax-exempt, public, charitable  organization established in 1985 to increase focus on local private philanthropy. Today, the  Community Foundation manages more than 850 funds and works with hundreds of nonprofits.  Please Donate at www.colliercf.org.

The American Red Cross is an internationally known non-profit providing military and veteran  services, blood donations, and disaster relief. The Red Cross responds to an average of more  than 60,000 disasters every year with 95% of disaster relief works being volunteers. Currently,  the Red Cross will be in the area delivering hot meals to areas impacted by Hurricane Ian. You  may donate to the Red Cross at www.redcross.org/donate. If doing so, please indicate that  you would like to donate to support Hurricane Ian relief.  

The Salvation Army of Collier County has been serving our community with pride since 1981.  Donations to the Salvation Army help the organization provide many services to the area.  These range from case work and transformational services offered to those in need, working  with many community partnerships including recovery groups, the United Way, and the Collier  Community Foundation, and offering yearly grants and awards. If you would like to donate to  the Salvation Army of Collier County, please visit www.salvationarmyflorida.org/naples/. 

The United Way of Collier and the Keys supports many of our organizations with funds and  services. The United Way partners locally to provide support to the Salvation Army, Catholic  Charities, Goodwill, Guadalupe Center, Habitat for Humanity, Immokalee Foundation, YMCA,  and many more. They offer grants, disaster management case workers, and partner with local  government. If you would like to donate to the United Way of Collier and the Keys please  www.uwcollierkeys.org. 

Donating blood is also an important and easy way to help the community. Blood banks often  lose power and supply during disasters. The need for blood rises to keep hospital patients alive  and help anyone coming in who might have been injured and needing blood. The NCH Community Blood Center has a stationary location at 1100 Immokalee Road, Naples, FL 34110, as well as traveling mobile blood donation busses. To find hours and locations, visit www.nchmd.org/services/blood-center. 

If you would like to volunteer your time, we ask that you visit www.volunteerflorida.org. This  website can offer volunteer opportunities open in your area, offer contacts of non-profits to reach out to in the event you’d like to volunteer, and provides you with the information you  need to begin volunteering. If you do not have internet and would like to volunteer on a local  level, we ask that you reach out to local houses of worship, food pantries, or other  community organizations. 

Thank you!