United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades is hosting its annual Day of Action, inviting the community to pitch in to clean up a preserve located just before the Sanibel Bridge. In partnership with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, the cleanup will take place on Thursday, June 15 from 10 a.m. to noon.
The Sanibel preserve was badly damaged due to Hurricane Ian, and debris continues to litter the area. Residents throughout Lee County are encouraged to sign up and assist in clean-up efforts to restore the preserved land before the rainy season begins.
“As our region continues to recover from Hurricane Ian, our volunteer needs continue as well,” said Jeannine Joy, President and CEO of United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades. “Sanibel-Captiva Conservancy Foundation protects and cares for more than 2,000 acres of land on Sanibel and surrounding islands, and this Day of Action is an opportune time to pitch in and continue the hard work of restoring this coastal ecosystem and natural habitat that makes Southwest Florida so special.”
Volunteers will meet at Bimini Bait Shack at 17501 Harbour Pointe Dr. in Fort Myers. Carpooling is recommended. Register online at United Way Day of Action. Close-toed shoes, long sleeves, long pants, bug repellent, bottled water, and sunscreen are recommended.
On and around June 21 each year, thousands of people across the globe take action to improve their communities by volunteering with United Way.
United Way’s Volunteer Center of Lee, Hendry, and Glades creates meaningful volunteering opportunities — both virtual and in-person — that make it easy for people and organizations to tackle some of the most challenging problems facing our community. Our local Volunteer Center generated an $8.4M impact in our community last year, connecting volunteers with the many opportunities that exist.
Those seeking post-hurricane or general support can dial United Way’s 211 line; a free, 24-hour helpline that connects people with human and social service agencies in Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties. Just dial 211 on your phone, or 239.433.3900. Additional information and resources related to Lee County’s Hurricane Ian response can be found at LeeGov.com/Storm.
Year-round volunteer opportunities are available to support our community with through the United Way Volunteer Center. The Volunteer Center creates connections between volunteer opportunities and individuals, families, business and groups throughout Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties. You can search by zip code, interests, or agency name or check out the calendar of volunteer events to find a perfect fit for your passions. Visit https://unitedwaylee.org/volunteer/.