How You Can Help

Donations

Residents who want to help with relief efforts are encouraged to make monetary donations through vetted organizations. The United Way of South Sarasota County is now accepting monetary donations that will be distributed in North Port. Simply specify North Port as the community that you want help at the time of your donation. Visit uwssc.org to see how you can help.

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County are also taking donations for impacted residents. Sarasota County Schools has also provided a list of places coordinating donations. View the South Sarasota County Hurricane Relief Resources list(PDF, 40KB).

United Way Sarasota County is still in need of the following items: tarps, batteries, toiletries, feminine products, garbage bags, baby formula, diapers, wipes, cleaning supplies and gift cards. These items may be dropped off at 4242 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL. 34293 (behind the Outback Steakhouse & next to the Books-a-Million). If you have any questions or need other assistance, please call the UWSSC Office at (941) 484-4811.

Awaken Church is accepting perishable and non-perishable food items, toiletries, diapers, baby food, wipes, paper towels, new socks and underwear, and cleaning supplies (no clothing other than new underwear and socks). Donations can be delivered to 4940 Pan American Blvd Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Please call (941) 200-5400 if you have any questions.

Volunteering

The Sarasota County Volunteer Reception Center is now open for individuals and groups who would like to offer their skills to help with the disaster response. To register and receive an assignment with an agency that needs assistance, individuals should go to the VRC, which is located at Nokomis Community Park, 234 Nippino Trail East, Nokomis, FL 34275. It will be open Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 7:30-11:30 a.m. The VRC will be closed on Sundays. For more information, you can call (941) 288-0232 or email vrc@scgov.net.

Awaken Church
Awaken Church has serviced over 5,500 individuals and over 2,000 hot meals to date. They are in need of volunteers to help stock, distribute food, and provide information to those seeking assistance. Awaken Church hours for assistance are Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., or Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – but any time frame to volunteer that fits your schedule would be greatly appreciated. Please contact (941) 200-5400 for further information.

United Way Sarasota County
If you are looking for a way to get involved and help your community in this time of need, United Way of South Sarasota County could use your assistance! We are actively recruiting volunteers to fill the following roles:

  • Donation Distribution
  • Back Office
  • Outside Clean-up Crew
  • Inside Clean-up Crew

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer to help meet these needs, please fill out the Hurricane Ian Recovery & Relief Volunteer Interest Form or call the UWSSC Office at (941) 484-4811.

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