Hurricane Ian Relief & Longterm Recovery Update

Since Hurricane Ian initially hit Southwest Florida Sol Relief has been on the ground in Fort Myers working with local individuals, businesses, first responders, and other non-profits to gather ongoing needs assessments and to continue to support communities in need.  To date, we've conducted a multifaceted and intentional strategy to provide support where it's needed including gap areas that may have been overlooked by other organizations. 

We could not have done this work without our amazing donor base, volunteer pilots, ground volunteers and the support of the Tampa Bay community... including you!

Hurricane Ian Response Details & Accomplishments

Ian Response Phase 1: Immediate Relief Accomplishments (first 2 weeks)

• 31 response flights to Fort Myers, Naples, and Arcadia
• 70 passengers flown to affected region (including Sol Relief team members for assessments and work on the ground)
• 50 first responders from local departments via a partnership with the International Association of Firefighters
• 800+ lbs. of tangible goods
• Water filtration device capable of producing 800 gallons of water a day
• Transported a medical team to assist with well being support for and hydration of first responders
• Delivered meals to first responders on Pine Island who had not had hot meals in days

Ian Response Phase 2: Long Term Recovery Accomplishments (ongoing)

We are currently working with partner organizations in switching to long-term recovery efforts including:

• Supporting families in lower-income neighborhoods with childcare and after school programming
• Assisting with provision of school uniforms and shoes
• Assisting a church with vital needs for thousands (this church had over 3,000 people come for help the day after the storm)
• Assisting families with gift cards
• Assisting to help with gutting and renovating homes (volunteers still needed in December)
• Delivery of 700 bedding items for children

Ian Response Phase 3: Holiday Toy Drive & Fly Out

We are currently collecting toys for families in Fort Myers affected by Hurricane Ian. Donated toys will be going to lower income areas and neighborhoods that may not be able to afford toys this year.

• We are partnering with 3 organizations in Fort Myers including the United Way of Lee County. These partner organizations will assist with wrapping, storing and distributing the donated toys.
• For more information about our Toy Drive (including toy drop off locations) you can visit our Toy Drive blog post.
• All donated toys will be flown to Ft. Myers by Sol Relief volunteer pilots on Saturday, December 10th.  Flights will be departing Albert Whitted throughout the morning. Our holiday celebration will be taking at the airport during the Fly Out.

You're invited to our Holiday Celebration & Toy Fly Out on December 10th at Albert Whitted Airport!

If you'd like to attend, please RSVP HERE.

THANK YOU to The Galley, Mary Margaret's Olde Irish Tavern, Glasscock Family Foundation, and Coats Schmidt, P.A. for supporting this event!!