Hurricane Ian’s devastation has been life-changing for many residents along the Suncoast, especially in our southern region and coastal areas. Our hearts remain with our neighbors and friends who experienced severe damage and losses, and we hope you will join us in supporting relief efforts for those in our communities who may be facing a long road to recovery.
To support the areas we serve, Michael Saunders & Company has chosen to focus its resources on two charitable efforts that touch the industry and communities we serve. We will match up to $50,000 in staff and agent contributions to the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund and an additional $50,000 for donations to the Florida Realtors® Disaster Relief Fund. Money collected through the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund will go directly to those in need in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and DeSoto counties. Click here to make a donation.
The Florida Realtors® Disaster Relief Fund was formed in August 1992, and since that time has been assisting Realtors® and their employees as well as local association and staff who have experienced damage to their primary residences or offices caused by natural disasters. Click here to make a donation.
Other groups helping with relief efforts
Many other organizations also are assisting with hurricane relief efforts, including:
Gulf Coast Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund
Charlotte County Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund
Manatee County Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund
AARP Foundation Hurricane Relief Fund
Salvation Army of Sarasota County
Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida
Humane Society of Sarasota County
Donation sites, volunteer opportunities
Additionally, the United Way of South Sarasota County in Venice is collecting donations Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. Items being accepted include tarps, zip ties, flashlights with batteries, batteries, propane cans, bug repellent, can openers, hand sanitizer, toiletry products, baby formula, baby diapers, baby wipes, adult diapers, sanitizing wipes, feminine products, water-flavoring packets, contractor bags, garbage bags and generators. The drop-off site is located at 4242 S Tamiami Trail, Venice.
Donations also are being collected by more than a half dozen area churches, including Grace Community Church and South Shore Community Church in Sarasota. Immediate needs include batteries, flashlights, cleaning supplies and tarps. Items will be distributed to families affected by flooding in North Port and other communities in South Sarasota County as well as the hard-hit Fort Myers area. For details on locations and drop-off dates/times, click here.
If you are interested in helping with disaster relief services, Catholic Charities’ Diocese of Venice needs volunteers throughout Southwest Florida. Click here to sign up. Visit Volunteer Florida for a list of other opportunities.
We are overwhelmed by the generous spirit of people in our communities and beyond who have come together to help the many people in need on the Gulf Coast.
Stay up to date on recovery efforts
For the latest information and updates on hurricane recovery efforts, visit these government websites:
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Please revisit this blog in the days and weeks ahead for updated details on additional donation opportunities.
Credit to MSC
