Welcome Kit Donations Needed For Fort Myers Charity

As snowbirds are leaving Southwest Florida, they are asked to donate any non-perishable food items that will be sitting around in their pantry until next season. The Lee County program is called Donated Not Wasted. From food, we move on to welcome kit donations needed for a Fort Myers charity.

The Salvation Army needs some essential items for one of their big outreach programs. The programs are offered through the Pathway to Hope as well as the Center of Hope. In the first program, coaches meet with families and individuals working to break the cycle of poverty and crisis.

Additionally, when an individual or family arrives at the Center of Hope for shelter, they are greeted with one of these Welcome Kits. The mission of the shelter is to help those in it, find and regain their independence. This happens in a number of ways. However, it all starts with the basics and having simple hygiene items such as towels along with items to keep children busy and engaged.

Donations for these kits are being taken now through May 31st. Drop them off at the Center of Hope located at 2400 Edison Ave in Fort Myers. Also, all outreach locations of the Salvation Army in Lee County are accepting donations as well. If you need assistance with donations or are in need of the services of the Salvation Army, call 239-334-3745 .

Finally, if you are not in Lee County or the Fort Myers, you can still make donations that include these items at a Salvation Armey outreach center in your area.

To our Southwest Florida radio listeners, Wow. That is all I can say about the inaugural Beasley Media Group Cares 4 Kids Radiothon benefiting Golisano Children's Hospital. We joined other stations in the Beasley Media Group in Southwest Florida for a day of raising money to benefit the children's hospital.

During our visit, I learned the beds in the hospital were nearly filled to capacity. Some 120,000 kids walked through the doors of the hospital last year. Some with minor injuries, some with life threatening diseases. By the grace of God, most walked out. But not all do. No matter how lengthy or costly their stay, no child or family is turned away due to ability to pay.

The staff is outstanding. Not only are they among the best in their field, but they also have some of the biggest hearts. It can be hard. It can be sad. However, they do their best to make the best out of a situation.

A big thank you to the businesses who sponsored this event to make it possible.

Thank you to the families who gave their time to show up and others show shared their stories on air. But most importantly, thank YOU, our listeners. You reached into your pockets and you gave. You gave in small increments and large ones. You gave what you could and fom your heart. We have the best listeners and I for one could not be more humbled as well as proud.

"I am in awe of the generosity of our community and the listeners of Sunny 106.3 and the Beasley Broadcasting team! You know how to show up and make a difference! The Cares for Kids Radiothon was exhilarating and alive!” Amy Frith, Senior Director of Development for Golisano and Children’s Miracle Network, said. “Our patients, their families, the hospital, doctors, nurses and everyone who came joined in the fun had a blast. Golisano Children’s Hospital is the special place it is for kids because of the passion of the community to share resources. Every dollar raised yesterday will help change a child’s health outcomes to change the future.” - Amy Frith, Sr. Director Barbara's Friends and Children's Miracle Network

“ What a fun way to share our amazing patients and family stories with the loyal listeners of Beasley Media Group Stations. What an amazing day” - Toni Primeaux, Program Director Children’s Miracle Network

Here are a few photos from the day.