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 All Faiths Food Bank Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida Humane Society of Sarasota County American Red Cross 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
