Interfaith Charities of South Lee Estero/San Carlos Park United Way House of Myers, Florida

ICSL is a community service organization serving the residents of South Ft Myers, Estero, and San Carlos Park. The mission is to feed the hungry, guide the young, and aid the needy because we care. The major service provided is the community food pantry. In 2013 we provided food for 483 households which is 4,173 individuals. ICSL received 505,467 pounds of dry good donations from local merchants, HOA and church food drives as well as individual contributions. Since its founding in 1991, ICSL has grown at a significant rate to meet the increasing needs of the community. ICSL receives grants from United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades counties to assist in the payment of client utility bills, rents and mortgages. Other programs include connecting clients with available services. The VITA program is a free income tax return preparation service. In 2013, 425 tax returns were prepared, which netted $625,745 in individual refunds. Meals on Wheels delivered 3,403 meals in 2013. We continue to add programs as we are able in order to provide essential services that would otherwise go unmet. As the Estero/San Carlos Park United Way House, other UW partners are able to utilize our property to its fullest. Each week is busy with activities including teaching English as a second language and Money Management class by the University of Florida Extension Service, to teach budgeting, setting financial goals and becoming fiscally responsible. All of our programs are only possible through the availability of the facility purchased in the fall of 2008. We are thankful for the faithfulness of our supporters, staff, volunteers, and board of directors who demonstrate their compassion in many areas of service. Without them we would not be able to meet the needs of our neighbors in our community. 98% of our cash and in-kind donations received is used directly for program activities. ICSL’s continued success is directly dependent on our volunteers. Opportunities exist in our office and pantry for sorting baked goods, stocking shelves, and assisting clients that come for help. Volunteer drivers are needed for food pick up at stores, to deliver bread or hot meals. ICSL is also an approved service learning site for FGCU students and other youth that need to complete volunteer service hours. In 2013 volunteers recorded 14,254 hours of service. Without these volunteer service hours, that time would require 7 full-time positions at an estimated cost of $302,762. ICSL is where real needs are met by real people, that is people like you and me caring about our neighbors. We continue to be a lifeline for more men, women and children every week. We continue to need your support through your time, energy and finances to enable us to purchase food, fund programs and operational costs, purchase capital equipment and pay down the mortgage. FOOD PANTRY: Clients can recieve a 3-5 day supply of food from the FOOD PANTRY every 30 days. Items include dry, canned and boxed items and other non-perishable foods. Clients may also come every 7 days to pick up bread, sweets, and other perishable foods.