#SWFLStrong
memories of the beautiful area that has given me so much joy - I love you SWFL <3
hi friends! today I’m writing to you all about something very near and dear to my heart - Hurricane Ian and the aftermath on the community of Southwest Florida. as many of you know, I currently attend Florida Gulf Coast University, and that area has truly become my home away from home. when Hurricane Ian made landfall earlier this week, it was incredibly scary, and ultimately devastating. unfortunately, I was unable to make it back home before the storm hit, so I was in Fort Myers as the damage was done. I lost power early Wednesday, as well as the majority of my cell service as winds and rain became stronger. since there was no access to news or any other source of information, all I could do was to pray for God to lay His hand of protection as I waited out the storm with some of my family friends. thankfully, the little bit of cell service that I did have allowed me to communicate with my family back home and close friends that live in the area. we woke up thursday morning all safe, and began to pick up some of the damage and debris across the neighborhood. power has yet to be restored to the area, and it will likely be many days, even weeks before the city has access to power and safe water sources again. right now, if you are willing and able, I implore you to help my community in anyway that you can. of course, donations are greatly appreciated, but if not anything else, pray for Southwest Florida. Psalm 46:1 says “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” this is a verse I’m keeping in mind, as I pray for my fellow community members that lost not only their homes or possessions, but even worse, their loved ones. I’m praying for the multitude of businesses that lost years of hard work and devotion, businesses that helped shape Fort Myers into the wonderful place that it is. I’m praying for families that are wondering where there next meal is gonna come from because they’re lacking power or clean water. in the midst of this incredibly trying time, I pray that these people hold onto God’s love in their heart and remember that God can make even the most broken of things beautiful again. below, I’m gonna list some resources and fundraisers that I know of, if you know of any others, please let me know and I can make updates to this list as needed.
resources for Lee County
Points of Distribution for Food and Water
Old Bonita Library, 26876 Pine Ave., Bonita Springs
Kelly Road Soccer Complex, 10750 Kelly Road, Fort Myers
Cape Coral Sports Complex, 1410 Sports Blvd., Cape Coral
Cape Coral Leonard Street, 4820 Leonard St., Cape Coral
Estero High School Ballfield Park, 9100 Williams Road, Estero
North Fort Myers Recreation Center, 2000 N. Recreation Park Way, North Fort Myers
Fleamasters Fleamarket, 4135 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Fort Myers
Veterans Park Recreation Center, 55 Homestead Road S., Lehigh Acres
local fundraisers for relief
aside from some larger organizations collecting donations, like American Red Cross or Save the Children, some of you may want to give in a more personal manner. starting today, I will be collecting gift cards and or funds for essential stores (ie. Publix, Walmart, Gas Stations, etc.) to bless some of the various families that I am connected to in Fort Myers. if Venmo is easier for you but you would still like to give, please send me a direct message and I can purchase the gift card on your behalf. thank you for helping one of my favorite areas stay #SWFLStrong <3
