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
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
Volunteer opportunities, donation drop-off sites
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. The drop-off site is located at 4242 S Tamiami Trail, Venice.
In Charlotte County, donations of food and goods are being accepted from 9 am-noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday at St. Vincent de Paul, 5200 Airport Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33950.
The Sarasota County Volunteer Reception Center is seeking individuals and groups who would like to offer their skills to help others with disaster response, including:
- Large vegetative debris removal, including heavy equipment and chainsaw work
- Tarping roofs
- Construction debris assistance
- Mold remediation
Individuals should bring their own equipment and be ready to be assigned to a larger organized effort to be dispatched into the community.
The center is open from 7:30 am-5 pm daily at Nokomis Community Park, 234 Nippino Trail East, Nokomis, FL 34275
Click here to sign up.
The Charlotte County Volunteer Reception Center is looking for individuals and groups who would like to offer their skills to help others with disaster response. The Reception Center is supported by Charlotte County Community Organizations Active (COAD) and is for volunteers who are not affiliated with any organizations.
To register and receive an assignment with an agency that needs assistance, visit the center Monday-Friday from 9 am-noon at 227 Sullivan St., Punta Gorda, FL 33950. On weekends, email vrccoad@gmail.com or call 910.973.3916 for assistance.
For more information about volunteers or donations, call the Charlotte County Volunteers/Donations Hotline at 910.973.3916.
Visit Volunteer Florida for a list of additional recovery relief opportunities.
We are overwhelmed by the generous spirit of people in our communities and beyond who have come together to help so many in need on the Gulf Coast.
For the latest information on recovery resources and services, visit these government websites:
Please revisit this blog in the days and weeks ahead for the latest information on ways to help.