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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
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