Lee County Students Make A Difference In Their Community

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!

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 Receives 3 Grants To Help SWFL

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!

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.

Nations Association Thrift Store In Ft Myers Grand Opening

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.

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.