Connect Magazine November/December | Page 18

BY JONATHAN BLAZE, MVP REALTY This year’s holiday season approaches us right on the heels of Hurricane Irma, and many of us are wondering what we can do to help or give back to the community in some way. During the Holiday season we typically see an increase in giving and volunteering, and the need is greater now more than ever. Luckily, our non-profit and faith-based organizations constantly have opportunities available for you to give back. Time, supplies, donations, and expertise are all in high demand as the holidays approach. Each organization has different needs, offering you lots of choices for what and how you can give back. Contacting the non-profit directly will help you figure out where you can best serve, as many places have time-specific needs or certain supplies they need for their work. COMMUNITY COOPERATIVE: SOUP KITCHEN (239) 332-7687 www.communitycooperative.com Agency needs: time, manpower and a smile. Need hands to prepare, serve, and clean up meals for those in need. Also need help during off-meal hours to organize donations. Monetary and food donations welcome. Contact Rachell Mays, Volunteer Coordinator, for more details. MY AUTISM CONNECTION, INC (239) 201-8133 www.myautismconnection.net Agency needs: Volunteers and interns for PEERS program, help during peer group outings, marketing and social media support, vendor events and fundraising. Contact Sandra Worth, President, for more information. Here are just a few agencies around the Fort Myers/Cape HARRY CHAPIN FOOD BANK Coral area where you may wish to help by volunteering (239) 334-7007 or giving back during the holiday season, and even year www.harrychapinfoodbank.org -round. There are many other charities and organizations you can find by doing a quick web search. Agency needs: time, manpower, organizational skills, and monetary donations. Need help organizing supplies for Places to Volunteer in Lee County (especially during the distributions to 170 partnering agencies. Need help manning holidays): mobile food distribution centers in needed areas. Contact Tanya Phillips, Volunteer Coordinator, for more information. 18 RPCRA.ORG | NOV/DEC 2017