Ft Myers Charities

Fort Myers Girl Scouts Give To Local Soup Kitchen

noreply@blogger.com (Outside the Box Manager) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 20:16:00 +0000

Fort Myers Girl Scout Troop 245 had decide they wanted to do something positive for their community with a portion of their profits from the sale of their Girl Scout Cookies. The leaders of the troop presented several ideas and allowed the girls to vote on which project they thought suited them best. After considerable discussion the girls decided upon CCMI's (Community Cooperative Ministries Inc.) "Birthday In A Bag" project. The leaders of the troop picked up the supplies needed and set aside a troop meeting for the girls to assemble the bags. The entire troop participated in decorating the bags and placing the contents in them. Each bag consisted of ...

Cake Mix

Icing

A Disposable Cake Pan

Balloons

Noise Makers

Birthday Themed Plates & Napkins

Tie Dyed T-Shirts

The girls had a great time assembling and decorating the packaging and learned more than a little about how good it feels to do what you can to help those in need. Kudo's to the leaders and parents of the troop for doing what they can to instill a sense of civic responsibility and social awareness as they prepare these girls to be leaders and achievers in the next generation!

From Girl Scouts Donate to Ft Myers Soup Kitchen

The girls hand delivered the packages to the office of Lisa Cronin, Volunteer Liaison for CCMI at the Fort Myers soup kitchen. She welcomed the girls, applauded their efforts, and took them on a "behind the scenes" tour of the offices, grounds, food bank, and finally the soup kitchen. The experience of the tour opened the eyes of the Girl Scouts and their leaders to the overwhelming need and the limited resources CCMI has at its disposal to combat hunger and provide sustenance to the needy. As we said our goodbye's and left the facility both the girls and the adults were already talking about their next project!

Below are pictures and a video of the excursion.

Rick Thomas, Social media/SEO Consultant in Ft Myers Florida, Writer, interested in making a positive difference in my community including but not limited to: regional search engine marketing for small businesses in Ft Myers Florida. Local Google Ranking Improved for both companies and charities. 501c3 non profit promotion done pro bono.

Ft Myers Charities | News And Notes Fall 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Outside the Box Manager) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 21:10:00 +0000

Once again SW Floridians are stepping forward from all walks of life to do what they can to help others in need. We should all be proud to live in a community that gives so much, so willingly to make a difference in the lives of others.

The Goodwill Bookstore at 15165 McGregor Blvd. in South Ft Myers recently celebrated their 1st year of being open to the public.

The Southwest Florida Community Foundation named Sarah Owen as their new CEO.

Thursday October 20, 2011 The Harborside Event Center will host the 6th annual "Becoming Cosmopolitan" event to benefit CCMI (Community Cooperative Ministries Inc.) from 6-9 p.m.. For more info call 239-332-7687 or visit ccmileecounty.

Snickers "Bar Hunger" promotion ends this week. Enter codes found inside Snickers bars online at Snickers.com & the company will make a donation to Feeding America.

Copperleaf Golf Club in Bonita Springs hosted the "Tee Off For Kids" golf tournament today to benefit community programs for at-risk youth.

Friday November 4, 2011 kick starts the weekend "Bikers for Babies" event to benefit The March of Dimes, which will include bike night from 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. on Friday, a poker run on Saturday, and a 35 mile police escorted ride on Sunday beginning at 11:00 a.m.. For more info call 239-433-3463 or visit bikersforbabies.com

Ft Myers Charities|Sarah Owen New CEO For The Southwest Florida Community Foundation

noreply@blogger.com (Outside the Box Manager) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:18:00 +0000

When the news first broke that Sarah Owen was to become the CEO at The Southwest Florida Community Foundation a wave of panic overcame a number of us who have followed and genuinely appreciated the work Sarah has done over the past 6 years at CCMI (Community Cooperative Ministries Inc.), until we realized that the team Owen has assembled during that span is visibly a talented and experienced blend of capable, committed professionals that know how to get things done. CCMI has been left in good hands.

The SWFLCF has been anticipating and providing for the needs of their community since 1976 in the form of grants, scholarships, and endowed funds. Their vision is to be ...

"The leading resource in Southwest Florida for compassionate and flexible charitable giving."

Their mission is ...

" ... to connect donors and their philanthropic aspirations with evolving community needs."

It sounds to me like Sarah Owen and the SWFLCF are a "good fit" and will continue to be major supporter's and benefactors to the SW Florida community.

Rick Thomas, Social media/SEO Consultant in Ft Myers Florida, Writer, interested in making a positive difference in my community including but not limited to: regional search engine marketing for small businesses in Ft Myers Florida. Local Google Ranking Improved for both companies and charities. 501c3 non profit promotion done pro bono.

Harry Chapin Food Bank Box Truck Stolen

noreply@blogger.com (Outside the Box Manager) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 17:07:00 +0000

Ft Myers Charities

Fort Myers, Florida

Last night The Harry Chapin Food Bank had one of the 24 foot box trucks it uses to pick up donations and disburse food to those in need in SW Florida. This particular crime has the potential to negatively impact hundreds of families in the Lee County Florida area. They DESPERATELY need this vehicle found and returned as soon as possible! If you see the truck labeled 413, with a tag (license plate) # of X2358B, and Harry Chapin Food bank logos on it please call the Fort Myers Police Department at 239-321-7700.

The truck is a valuable tool in assisting the food bank in meeting the needs of families who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to feed their children. The theft comes at a time when all Fort Myers food banks are scrambling to meet those needs in the community. To have to operate without the use of the truck will make their job far more difficult ... and to have to replace the truck would put a huge dent in an already insufficient budget!

Please share this with your friends so they can get the truck back, and continue to ...

Fight Hunger and Feed Hope!

noreply@blogger.com (Outside the Box Manager) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 15:26:00 +0000

Ft (Fort) Myers & the Lee County area have many charitable organizations in many locations. Thought it might be useful to post this map showing the locations where people can volunteer, make donations, or receive the assistance they and their families need.

View Larger Map

charities

New Day Christian Church

19091 South Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, FL

(239) 278-1212 ‎ · newday.cc

HOPE Biblical Counseling & Training Center

9065 Ligon Court, Fort Myers, FL

(239) 481-0777 ‎ · hopebiblicalcounseling.org

1 review

"The counseling center has helped many counselees to have transformed lives, ..."

John Entwistle Foundation

13450 Ponderosa Way, Fort Myers, FL

(239) 482-6880 ‎

Florida Coalition Against Hmn

3333 Renaissance Blvd # 200, Bonita Springs, FL

(239) 390-3350 ‎ · stophumantrafficking.org

1 review

Ronald McDonald House

16100 Roserush Court, Fort Myers, FL

(239) 437-0202 ‎ · rmhcswfl.org

"Ronald McDonald House® Charities of Southwest Florida is NOT a United Way agency and we receive NO state or federal funding. We rely 100% on private..." - ronaldmchouse.com

Brookdale Foundation Inc

7181 College Pkwy # 38, Fort Myers, FL

(239) 274-0670 ‎

This place is permanently closed.

Briggs & Rogers

7680 Cambridge Manor Pl # 204, Fort Myers, FL

(239) 278-3900 ‎ · briggsrogers.com

"All proceeds from the auction and event ticket sales benefit three local charities, with the main beneficiary being The Children's Hospital of Southwest ..."- gulfshorelife.com

Southwest Florida Community

8260 College Pkwy # 101, Fort Myers, FL

(239) 274-5900 ‎ · floridacommunity.com

"The Charitable IRA provision, first enacted in 2006, has the power to help local charities strengthen their communities at a time when it is needed most."- floridacommunity.com

Angelina's Ristorante

24041 South Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL

(239) 390-3187 ‎ ·angelinasofbonitasprings.com

140 reviews

"The Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest is a signature event of the SWFL Children's Charities, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides funding to ..." - swflwinefest.org

Diners' Choice: Best Food - opentable.com

Credit Underwriters Inc

15642 Light Blue Circle, Fort Myers, FL

(239) 482-4484 ‎ · credit-underwriters.com

"Con Artists: How To Spot and Stop Them; FraudulentCharities: How To Protect Yourself; Avoiding Scams: Frequently Asked Questions"- credit-underwriters.com

62 results

Ft Myers Postal Workers Drive To Stamp Out Hunger

noreply@blogger.com (Outside the Box Manager) — Wed, 11 May 2011 13:44:00 +0000

In Ft Myers and all across America postal workers will be collecting food for their "Stamp Out Hunger" food drive. Always held on the 2nd Saturday in May it is America's largest and most productive one day food drive. Now in it's 19th year the food drive has collected over a BILLION pounds of food to be distributed to local food banks that make sure the food gets to the folks that need it most.

Earlier this week house holds in Ft Myers received a bag like this in their mailbox ...

Please!!! Take the time to fill it up and leave it by your mailbox for your letter carrier to pick up on Saturday May 14, 2011. We have neighbors ...

WE HAVE CHILDREN STARVING RIGHT HERE IN OUR TOWN!

If everybody pitches in a little we can accomplish an awful lot! Fill your bag to overflowing and get it out to the mailbox on time! The food donated now will help our local food banks make it through the summer.

Give generously and make a difference in the lives of children and families in ...

YOUR HOME TOWN!!!

Casa|Art|Studio In Naples Helps Local Charity

noreply@blogger.com (Outside the Box Manager) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 19:16:00 +0000

Want to help a local charity and have some fun? Casa|Art|Studio in Naples, Florida is hosting "Underground Art Wednesday" on April 6, 2011 from 6:00 until 9:00. Participants will have an opportunity to meet local artists, view the newest works of art at Casa|Art|Studio, and collaborate on a piece of art that is to be auctioned off at the "First Annual Hollywood Gala 2011 Event benefiting Destiny Diaper Bank." The Destiny Diaper bank's mission is to offer diapers to parents and caregivers of infants, toddlers, special needs children, disabled youth, and elderly who can not afford the diapers they need.

Steve and Cynthia Adams, the owners of Casa|Art|Studio, hosted a similar event last month and had so much fun they decided to do it again. The video above was made at last months event

For more information call

(239) 281-5071

Casa|Art|Studio

5850 Shirley St. #104

Naples Florida

Ft Myers Charities | News And Notes

noreply@blogger.com (Outside the Box Manager) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 04:14:00 +0000

Charities in Ft Myers have had a large number of benefactors over the past several months. Many individuals, groups and organizations have gone the extra mile to make a difference in their community. Many times I have heard an inspiring story and wanted to share it here, but, found myself short on time. Thought I would share the notes remaining on my desk before they get lost.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation recently donated $20,000 to The Foundation of Lee County Schools to help support programs that benefit both teachers and students.
Employee's of Fifth Third Bank raised over $6,000 to the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Southwest Florida.
Over the holidays the Ronald McDonald House Charities was given an elaborately decorated ginger bread village by students at High Tech Central.
Last December the Boston Red Sox coaches, and staff volunteered for a day at CCMI (Community Cooperative Ministries Inc.) by preparing and serving lunch, stocking shelves, and assisting with tutoring in the Community Montessori Preschool.
Old Corkscrew Golf Club recently hosted a golf tournament to benefit Nextep, a group dedicated to mentoring those recovering from addiction.
The Candlelighters of SW Florida recently held their annual "Step Into Spring" Fashion Show and Luncheon to benefit children and families dealing with cancer and blood disorders.
The Kiwanis Club of Gateway to the Islands has partnered with 64 local restaurants to help provide new shoes and requisite shots for kids at the beginning of the next school year. They are selling coupon booklets ($20 each) filled with buy one get one deals! For more info call ...
239-415-3100.
Pinewoods Elementary School in Estero, Fl. held their 10th annual math-a-thon. 68 students participated and raised $4,211 to be donated to the St Jude Children's Research Center. Over 10 years Pinewoods has raised over $38,000 with their Math-a-thon!

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL FOOD BANK - DONATIONS NEEDED!

Ft Myers Charities: Ft Myers' Michele Lorito Chase A Finalist In Competition To Aid Charity

noreply@blogger.com (Outside the Box Manager) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 04:27:00 +0000

Ft Myers Charities: Ft Myers' Michele Lorito Chase A Finalist In Competition To Aid Charity

Rick Thomas, Social media/SEO Consultant in Ft Myers Florida, Writer, interested in making a positive difference in my community including but not limited to: regional search engine marketing for small businesses in Ft Myers Florida. Local Google Ranking Improved for both companies and charities. 501c3 non profit promotion done pro bono.

Ft Myers' Michele Lorito Chase A Finalist In Competition To Aid Charity

noreply@blogger.com (Outside the Box Manager) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 02:58:00 +0000

Ft Myers social media consultant Michele Lorito Chase is one of 10 finalists in Audi's "progress is" contest. Numerous businesses, organizations, and charities across the country are finding social media to be a great way to promote themselves, and create interaction with others who share similar interests. Audi has challenged the 10 finalists to create as much "buzz" as they can between February 14, 2011 and 11:59 p.m. on February 18, 2011.

During the Super Bowl Audi announced that they were sponsoring a contest where the top ten entrants who tweeted (posted a message) on Twitter about what they thought progress is using the hashtag #progressis (For Twitter neophytes, a hashtag is the number symbol (#) attached to the front of a word in a Twitter tweet. Using a hashtag in a tweet allows anyone to quickly search twitter for tweets that contain the tagged word). Michele’s entry …

“When a good idea becomes a building block for a better one. That’s what #ProgressIs –“

… was one of the ten finalists! The 10 finalists are now in a competition to see who can get the most tweets, blogs, twitpics, and Facebook posts and comments containing the hashtag #progressis AND a hashtag unique to each of the finalists … Michele’s unique hashtag is #oldphone. I’m asking all who read this, and especially those in Florida, to help Michele help those in her community by posting a message on Twitter containing the two hashtags, or making a post on Facebook, or if you are a blogger … include it in your blog! A good example of such a tweet or post would be …

“Help @ghostexecutive win $25K for charity from Audi. #Progressis moving up from an #oldphone . Please RT”

Just copy it here, and paste it on twitter and tweet it!

Read more about the contest and Michele Lorito Chase here ...

http://www.ftmyersmarketing.com/2011/02/16/ft-myers-social-media-maven-finalist-in-contest-to-aid-charities/

For additional info ...

"Help @ghostexecutive win $25k for charity from Audi in defining that #progressis upgrading from an #oldphone. Please RT"

http://erictaubert.com/post/3329992933/progressis-oldphone-ghostexecutive-swfl-resident

Ft Myers Salvation Army Finds Gold Coins In Red Kettles

noreply@blogger.com (Outside the Box Manager) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 14:26:00 +0000

Ft Myers Salvation Army bell ringers have "struck gold" 3 separate times this year. On Tuesday a gold Krugerrand worth approximately $1500 in 2 separate kettles, 1 in front of the Publix at Colonial Blvd. and and Summerlin Rd. in Ft Myers, and the other at the Publix at College Pkwy. and South Pointe Blvd in South Ft Myers. Both coins were wrapped in a note with a verse from the Bible regarding the importance of charity and giving. The handwriting on each of these notes seemed to match the handwriting on a similarly themed note found with another Krugerrand last week at the Colonial Blvd. Publix.

The Salvation Army Bell Ringers have a long history of helping needy families, seniors, and the homeless by providing Christmas dinners, clothing, toys for kids whose families are struggling, and basic necessities.

Volunteers distribute gifts to shut-ins in hospitals and nursing homes, and shelters are open for sit-down dinners. The Salvation Army endeavors to bring spiritual light and love to those it serves at Christmas so that the real meaning of the season is not forgotten.

Many families receive aid over a period of months after the Christmas season as well, people struggling with difficult family, emotional, or employment problems.

Rick Thomas, Social media/SEO Consultant in Ft Myers Florida, Writer, interested in making a positive difference in my community including but not limited to: regional search engine marketing for small businesses in Ft Myers Florida. Local Google Ranking Improved for both companies and charities. 501c3 non profit promotion done pro bono.

Ft Myers Girl Scouts Sing/Donate Toys To Benefit ACT

noreply@blogger.com (Outside the Box Manager) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 06:58:00 +0000

Girl Scouts, Brownies, and Daisy Scouts from numerous troops in the Fort Myers area gathered to sing holiday songs and make donations of toys to children in The Abuse Counseling and Treatment center in the Ft Myers vicinity. Collectively the girls amassed an impressive pile of new toys to help make the season a little brighter for kids in the program. Kudo's to the Girl scouts not only for the donations, but, for helping to forge the next generation of caring, compassionate, civic minded young women as well.

How You Can Help Abuse Counseling And Treatment Inc.

Donations:

Commit to a yearly donation.
Become a sponsor of Arts for ACT Fine Art Auction.
Make a donation in honor or memory of someone special.
Make ACT a beneficiary in your will or life insurance policy.
Make a donation to, and shop at our thrift store, Second ACT.
Purchase art from our Arts for ACT Gallery

Gift Certificates also make a huge difference! Consider certificates for haircuts, movies, Target, Walmart, Publix, Fast food, Bowling, Mini-Golf, Shell Factory, Sun Splash, Bus Passes, Nature Center, JoAnn's, Michael's, Barne's & Nobles, Kohl's, Home Depot or Lowes.

Abuse Counseling and Treatment, Inc.
P.O. Box 60401
Fort Myers, Florida 33906

24-Hour Hotline 239-939-3112
Emergency Shelter 239-939-3112
Administration 239-939-2553
Fax 239-939-4741

Email: act@actabuse.com

Second ACT Thrift Store
239-418-0331

ARTS FOR ACT GALLERY and Boutique
239-337-5050

Cape Coral Group Provides Thanksgiving Meal For 600

noreply@blogger.com (Outside the Box Manager) — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 10:15:00 +0000

A group of Cape Coral citizens decided a week before Thanksgiving to put together turkey dinners for their neighbors who are in need this year. The group ... calling themselves "Friends Of The Cape" worked diligently and quickly to put together 100 turkey dinners. The dinners included a turkey, potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce and more. Packaged in portions suitable for a group of six people the "Friends Of The Cape" managed to provide Thanksgiving dinner for 600 people in 6 days! Very impressive! Thanks to the "Friends" and the many businesses and organizations that helped them provide this much needed service to their community, including

The Vineyard Community Church
First Round Draft Sports Bar & Grille
AA Associates Realty
Cruisers Lounge
Cape Coral Elks Lodge
Lazy Dog Bar & Grill
Leapin Lizard

Thanks to all of the donors, businesses and organizations who gave of their time and resources to help make a difference in their own community by being involved involved in this event!

Rick Thomas, Social media/SEO Consultant in Ft Myers Florida, Writer, interested in making a positive difference in my community including but not limited to: regional search engine marketing for small businesses in Ft Myers Florida. Local Google Ranking Improved for both companies and charities. 501c3 non profit promotion done pro bono.

Ft Myers Charities| Random News And Notes

noreply@blogger.com (Outside the Box Manager) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 03:18:00 +0000

I am always amazed by the number of groups and individuals in the Ft Myers area that actively support local charities. All around Lee County churches, businesses, civic and networking groups, lodges and schools and countless individuals actively seek out some way they can help the less fortunate. I never go a week without hearing a half a dozen stories about someone going the extra mile to help out.

Sweetbay Supermarkets is hosting a "Box Out Hunger" promotion to raise food for The Harry Chapin Food Bank. Sweetbay customer's can purchase a box of food for $10.00 and either deliver it to the charity of their choice or leave it with the store for pick up by the food bank. The box of food will feed a family of 4 for 1 day.
Nations Association Charities is asking for donations of turkeys. They currently have over 400 requests for turkeys for Thanksgiving, and only have 85 or so on hand! They can also use donations of canned food, any kind of meat, dry goods, baby items, and money. For more information call (239)332-7575.
A group of Ft Myers Weight Watchers has been participating in a program called "The Lose For Good Campaign", as they have shed pounds the members have donated food representative of the weight they have lost. Locally they donated 6,550 pounds of food to The Salvation Army! Nationally Weight Watchers' "Lose For Good" Campaign has raised over $2,000,000 and 3,500,000 lbs. of food.

Ft Myers Kiwanis Club Haunted House Helps Charities

noreply@blogger.com (Outside the Box Manager) — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 07:36:00 +0000

The Kiwanis Club of San Carlos Park-Estero hosted a haunted house with the theme "Raise The Dead To Feed The Living". Patrons who donated 2 cans of food received $2.00 off of the cost of admission. The cans of food collected will go to help Interfaith Caregivers of South Lee, a local food bank that serves the south Fort Myers area. Any cash proceeds raised will be used to fund projects that will benefit children in the Lee County area.

"Naples Big Event" Has Ft Myers/Naples Area Excited

noreply@blogger.com (Outside the Box Manager) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 04:47:00 +0000

Charitable events in the Ft Myers/Naples area always get great support from the businesses, citizens and organizations of SW Florida, but there have been few times an event has generated as much excitement as "The Naples Big Event" is creating locally. People are making plans for sharing limo's, reserving hotel rooms, and buying their tickets in advance... and all with a great deal of enthusiasm!

The "Big Event" is a casino night, with one of the main sponsors being The Seminole Casino-Immokalee. The host of the evening will be Chad Oliver, an anchor for the ABC7 Morning News. There will be over $10,000 worth of prizes given away such as vacations, jewelry, gift cards and more. Casino games including blackjack, poker, roulette, and craps as well as other games will be played from 8:00 until 11:00. Music and dancing will continue until 2:00a.m..

The event is raising funds for The Children's Learning Foundation, an educational charity that helps schools and education projects that are fun and entertaining for the students. Sounds like a lot of fun for a great cause! Hope to see you there!!!

Ft Myers Salvation Army Celebrates Renovated "Sally's Cafe" With Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

noreply@blogger.com (Outside the Box Manager) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 22:35:00 +0000

Numerous Fort Myers and Lee County officials, businessmen and women, and private benfactors gathered today to join The Salvation Army celebrate the grand opening of their newly renovated cafe' and food pantry "Sally's Cafe." Designed with the idea of providing to those in need a place to come and enjoy a meal in a comfortable dignified manner, and to be able to acquire the food they need for their families without needless waste.

Fort Myers Mayor Randy Henderson had high praise for this organization that has given so much to our community for so long. Lee County Commissioner Tammy Hall had the honor of cutting the red ribbon, along with a host of numerous other benefactors from around the SW Florida area. The Salvation Army has been operating the food bank in Ft Myers since 1969.

The volunteers at The Salvation Army were pleased to offer their guests samples of their original recipe doughnut holes and doughnuts. Made with the same recipe used to make doughnuts for the armed forces during World War I, the samples were not only delicious, but, gave one the sense that they were tasting a piece of history! However, this organization has far more to be proud of than just their doughnuts! Both they and the neighbors they serve should be proud of the vast array of services and support they offer to those who need it most including, but not limited to ...

free shelter
food
clothing
medical care
educational classes
vocational assessments
substance abuse counseling
mental health counseling
domestic violence counseling
and more

Not About Ft Myers But Worth Sharing

noreply@blogger.com (Outside the Box Manager) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 13:03:00 +0000

I saw this video on Youtube this morning and was moved by it. It seemed to be something that anyone who might visit this sight would appreciate. Hope you like it!

Rick Thomas, Social media/SEO Consultant in Ft Myers Florida, Writer, interested in making a positive difference in my community including but not limited to: regional search engine marketing for small businesses in Ft Myers Florida. Local Google Ranking Improved for both companies and charities. 501c3 non profit promotion done pro bono.

noreply@blogger.com (Outside the Box Manager) — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 06:09:00 +0000

Lee County Students Make A Difference In Their Community

noreply@blogger.com (Outside the Box Manager) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 13:39:00 +0000

Often times news regarding charities in the Ft Myers area isn't good news. Recent headlines have reported how many of the largest and most visible of our local charitable organizations are struggling through the recession much the same as the citizens they reach out to. Charity fundraisers such as the "Cattle Baron's Ball" which raises money for The American Cancer Society, and The American Heart association's "Heart Ball" are finding it more difficult to get people to attend, and those who attend are donating less. On top of that there is now talk that approximately 400 of Lee County's non profit organizations are facing the possibility of losing their tax exempt status! Troubling news indeed!

At a time when we need it so much what a relief it has been to hear stories of how a number of students in Lee County have gone the extra mile to give something back to their community.

Samantha Muller of Ft Myers Beach Elementary crafts socks into "stuffies", sells them for a dollar a piece, and donates all the proceeds to "Pennies for Patients", a cause that raises money to find a cure for cancer!
Evangelical Christian School's Varsity Cheerleaders provided 20 meals to residents staying at The Ronald McDonald House, and donated toys to children staying there!
Deborah Chaney of Sonshine Christian Academy donated her time to volunteer at the ACT shelter, which gives assistance to victims of domestic violence!
Lane Murphy, a 2nd grade student at Alva Elementary School donated $20. he had won at an Easter egg hunt to the American Cancer society's" Relay For Life"!

Kudo's to these thoughtful, inspiring, young members of our community who are making an effort to improve the lives of their SW Florida neighbors! I hope these young people know their efforts aren't going unnoticed or unappreciated!

Harry Chapin Food Bank Receives 3 Grants To Help SWFL

noreply@blogger.com (Outside the Box Manager) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 07:21:00 +0000

The Southwest Florida Community Foundation recently donated $50,000, and The Walmart Foundation contributed an additional $25,000 to help fund The Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida distribute food to those in need to area's of SWFL that don;t have easy access to to food banks and soup kitchens. It is anticipated that over the next 12 months the organization will distribute over 520,000 pounds of food to the hungry in Lee County.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation provided a $30,000 grant to help the food banksustain their effort to educate and inform those who are eligible for food stamps about the programs and services available to them.

Our thanks and appreciation to these generous organizations for their efforts to help an organization that does so much for so many!

Nations Association Thrift Store In Ft Myers Grand Opening

noreply@blogger.com (Outside the Box Manager) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:14:00 +0000

Today at 10:00 The Nations Association Charities Thrift Store will open in Fort Myers. Located at 3842 Palm Beach Blvd. the store offers furniture, clothing, and household items. Nations Association has been serving those in need in Lee County (SW Florida) since 1978 directing their efforts to the "unmet needs" of county citizens, as well as pitching in to help in major disasters in other parts of the world. The new store, and Nations Association, provide necessities to families in crisis, who are trying to rebuild their lives following fires, hurricanes, floods, or other life altering situation as well as providing on the job training for young people involved in their programs.

All are encouraged to stop by and check out the great prices on items available for purchase. Revenues received go toward funding summer camps, scholarships, and operating expenses. Donations of furniture, appliances, and household goods are always appreciated. Donations may be dropped off at the store or you can arrange to have them picked up by calling 332-7575.

SW Florida Company Helps Missions And Charities With Eco Friendly Products

noreply@blogger.com (Outside the Box Manager) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 11:15:00 +0000

Fort Myers "Mission Cleaning Products", owned by Jim and Pam Jackson, was originally started as a way to raise money for mission groups after Pastor David Betzer had visited the First Assembly Of God church in Ft. Myers last December. Setzer, a missionary in South Africa had told stories of how businesses there were able to raise money for charities and those in need. The Jacksons thought it sounded like a great way to raise charitable funds here AND provide local jobs.

Missions Cleaning Products offer 4 eco friendly, biodegradable products ... a green disinfectant for kitchens and bathrooms, an orange degreaser, a tangerine all-purpose cleaner, and a lemon scented floor cleaner. All products are made on site with materials supplied by other Florida businesses including ...

Purity Chemical (Miami Fl.) Manufactures the bio-degradable products the individual cleaning products are made of.

Florida Marking Product (Maitland FL.) Makes the labels.

All American Containers Inc. (Tampa Fl.) Provides the plastic bottles.

Riverside Paper Co. (Fort Myers Fl.) Supplies the boxes.

The company donates 25% of all sales to missions and charities of the their clients choosing, so the purchase of cleaning products could also be a tax write-off. For more information call or visit ...

Missions Cleaning Products
12700 Metro Parkway, Unit 7
Ft Myers, Fl.

(239) 479-4084

missionscleaningproducts.com

Richard Thomas, Social media/SEO consultant in Ft Myers Florida, Writer, interested in making a positive difference in my community including but not limited to: regional search engine marketing for small businesses in Ft Myers Florida. Local Google Ranking Improved for both companies and charities. 501c3 non profit promotion done pro bono.

First Presbyterian Church In Ft Myers Hosts Concert To Benefit Food Bank

noreply@blogger.com (Outside the Box Manager) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 11:04:00 +0000

The First Presbyterian Church of Fort Myers, located at 2438 Second Street in downtown Fort Myers, is hosting "A Midsummer's Night's Sing" to benefit CCMI's soup kitchen. The concert, sponsored by the Galloway Family of Dealerships, will be held on Tuesday July 27, 2010 with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.. Admission is a voluntary cash donation and at least 2 cans of non-perishable food (the more the better). Residents who cannot attend the concert, but, still wish to make a donation can call 332-7687 to arrange for the soup kitchen to come pick up food.

Rev. Paul deJong is urging attendee's to help those in need, saying ... "Ladies and gentlemen, we desperately need your help. The need for food is absolutely critical this year. Please love your fellow neighbor and attempt to do what God would do and want you to do ... There is great uncertainty now as to what the future holds, so we need to be prepared to feed those most in need in the event of a disaster ..."

Organizer Sam Galloway Jr. added ... "Rising unemployment and the continued downward spiral in our local economy has caused many of our neighbors to ask for food to feed their families for the first time in their lives ... We can't allow our neighbors and friends to be hungry. Please, we need our community to get together and help with all the canned goods they can!"

For more information or directions call 334-2261

Richard Thomas, Social media/SEO Consultant in Ft Myers Florida, Writer, interested in making a positive difference in my community including but not limited to: regional search engine marketing for small businesses in Ft Myers Florida. Local Google Ranking Improved for both companies and charities. 501c3 non profit promotion done pro bono.

WCI Golf Offer Helps Fort Myers Food Bank

noreply@blogger.com (Outside the Box Manager) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:18:00 +0000

Attention Fort Myers, Naples, and all SW Florida Golf fanatics!

I found this on the Harry Chapin Food Bank of SW Florida's Facebook page and thought it was worth passing along! This is an incredible deal ... you can't play an overgrown public course any cheaper than this! These courses are well maintained, challenging, and beautiful ... worth the donation to just be able to tell you friends about your visit to any of these exclusive courses! Most importantly, you will provide food to children and families who otherwise might have none!

Step up to the tee and make this a good drive ... for the Harry Chapin Food Bank!

Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida, Inc. WOW!!! WCI Golf is giving anyone who donates at least $100 to the Harry Chapin Food Bank (now till 10/15/10) thru the WCI Golf website a FREE FOURSOME W/ CART at the BEST COURSES IN THE AREA!! We're talkin' Hammock Bay GC • Pelican Preserve GC • Raptor Bay GC • The Colony Golf & CC • and Tiburón GC. If you're a golfer, you know how incredible this is, If you don't golf, it's worth $100 to just see these courses!! Feed your neighbors in need & play the best courses in SW Fla. sounds like a deal to me!! THANKS WCI!!! go to www.WCIGOLF.com and click our logo!!