Make a Volunteer Resolution: Opportunities to Give Back in Fort Myers

Logging more volunteer hours in 2016 is a New Year’s resolution that will make a difference not only in your life, but in the lives of others. Resolve to use your spare time for a greater good this year and consider some of these opportunities to reach out and help others in the Fort Myers area.

The Salvation Army of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties
12091 McGregor Blvd.

The Salvation Army regularly has volunteer opportunities available in retail and administrative positions. If you’re comfortable helping with paperwork, ringing up customer purchases, or stocking shelves, this is an easy job where you can do a lot of good. The Salvation Army is often associated with its stores, where it resells donated goods. However, the organization performs many outreach services including substance abuse recovery, transitional housing, emergency shelter, and health care for the homeless. Your involvement can help support these activities and it’s located just 7 miles from Springs at Six Mile Cypress.

Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties
16133 S. Tamiami Trail

Habitat for Humanity helps provide safe housing to families in need. In addition to building homes, Habitat operates ReStores where it repurposes used building materials and furnishing. There are several volunteer opportunities available with Habitat for Humanity in and around Fort Myers. You can help with donation pickup, processing, and merchandising. Use your repair skills to perform minor maintenance on reclaimed items before they’re sold. If your skills are tech-based, you could even help maintain the ReStore’s Craigslist and Ebay accounts.

Lee Memorial Health System
Lee Memorial Hospital, 2776 Cleveland Ave.

The Lee Memorial Health System has several locations in Fort Myers that accept volunteers, including the HealthPark Medical Center, Lee Memorial Hospital, and Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. The health system has a wide range of volunteer opportunities so you can easily find something to fit your talents. The Arts in Healthcare program accepts volunteers to assist patients with craft projects or work in the Music Room. The Bright Ideas Gift Shop is staffed by retail volunteers.

If you’re interested in health care, you can volunteer in partners-patient care units, same day surgery recovery, or surgery/operating rooms. Volunteers looking for clerical work may opt for a position in the mail room, medical library, or information desk. All volunteer positions give you a chance to help patients and their families.

Helping others with even a few hours of your time can have a lasting impact on someone’s life. Connect with one of these organizations and find out how you can get started.