November/December 2000

A Gift of Giving

Thinking of others is what the holidays are really about, and giving of one’s time and energy can be the most thoughtful gift of all. Of course, the islands’ religious congregations welcome help at any time from residents and visitors, no matter how short their stays. In addition, many other nonprofit organizations that serve the islands also need help. Here are wish lists of groups looking for volunteers, whether for a one-time event during the holidays, or on-going projects throughout the year.
   Hope Hospice, which serves the needs of the terminally ill, welcomes volunteers to help with its two major fund-raising projects that start right after Thanksgiving. People of all ages, including entire families, many businesses, condo associations, and groups of friends devote time to the Tree of Lights or Gift-Wrapping Benefits.
   The Edison Mall-based Tree of Lights, which runs from Nov. 24 through Dec. 24, enables people to make contributions in the names of loved ones. Two or three volunteers per shift accept donations from people who write the names of their friends or family members on gift tags. The tags are attached to crocheted doves, which are then hung on the Christmas trees. Volunteers are also needed to wrap gifts in exchange for a donation. Gift-wrapping starts Nov. 24 at the Edison Mall. It begins Dec. 1 at both the Tanger Factory Store–Sanibel and Jacobson’s at Bell Tower Shops. The Gift-Wrapping Benefits run until Dec. 24.
   Volunteer coordinator Beth Jardas adds that, any time of the year, Hospice House welcomes people who would like to cook or serve meals. Many volunteers also participate in special events such as silent auctions or the Captiva Gulf Walk, held annually the week after Easter. 941/489-9162.
   The Sanibel Community Association can use extra helpers at its open house during Sanibel’s Luminary Night, which is scheduled for Friday night, Dec. 1. Later in the month, volunteers will be needed for indoor miniature golf, which starts the day after Christmas and runs until Dec. 29. Assistants are also welcome at the community association’s monthly dinner socials, and elbow grease will come in handy when the organization starts building a new amphitheater. 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 941/472-2155.
   The non-profit Children’s Education Center of the Islands stays open during winter and summer vacations, but with a limited number of teachers. So director Susan Peck is especially thrilled to have help at those times from volunteers who enjoy being with young children. Of course, volunteers are welcome to assist during the regular school year, too. 350 Casa Ybel Road, Sanibel, 941/472-4538.
   One of the best ways to help the Clinic for Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Inc., is to become a member, encourage your friends and neighbors to become members, or give people a holiday gift membership! Also, be sure to take a look at CROW’s wish list for much-needed items. “Clean and feed” outdoor volunteers are always needed, as are drivers for rescue and transport work. 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, 941/472-3644.
   Tracking down just the right gifts is, to be sure, a big part of the holidays, especially when the proceeds from the purchase support a worthy effort. Savvy shoppers know there are terrific shell-themed items in the store at The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, and all store profits support the museum. Store manager Pat Jones explains that people with or without previous retail experience are welcome to help out on the floor, wrap purchases, or pack mail orders. Weekend assistance is particularly appreciated. Volunteers are needed year-round in the museum in many other capacities, too, such as exhibit and educational docents. 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, 941/395-2233 or 888/679-6450.
   The folks at the Sanibel Historical Village and Museum are happy to receive assistance in decorating the village and museum for the holiday season, including decorating its Christmas tree. People willing to set up the annual antique toy exhibitions are particularly welcome and they are invited to add their own antique toys to the display. Volunteers find much to do nearly every month of the year, such as acting as exhibit docents, helping to change exhibits, or doing research. 850 Dunlop Road, Sanibel, 941/472-4648.
   Concert season is under way through April and Barrier Island Group for the Arts has plenty of opportunities for people to help with parking or in the box office. Also needed at any time of the year are office volunteers, gallery sitters, art docents, and Saturday art class assistants. Counselors are sought each summer for BIG Arts’ children’s camp programs. 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel, 941/395-0900.
   The holidays are business as usual for Friends in Service Here (FISH) of Sanibel, which offers assistance 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Volunteers are always welcome to help fellow islanders with meals, groceries, transportation, and equipment. (Of course one area in which FISH is trained to help out—although everyone involved hopes they are never needed—is with hurricane evacuation.) Sanibel and Captiva, 941/472-0404.
   More than 600 people aged 50 or older are members of the City of Sanibel’s Island Seniors Program, a group that is very active during the holidays and throughout the year. Its fund-raising activities include three annual bazaars, and volunteers maintain a butterfly garden, help out in the office, and coach in the computer lab. 2401 Palm Ridge Road and Library Way, Sanibel, 941/ 472-5743. –Libby Grimm