Pace Center for Girls is seeking donations, gift cards and volunteers to help provide necessary resources to Pace girls directly impacted by Hurricane Ian in Lee County.

In the weeks following the storm, the center collected supplies from local individuals, agencies and businesses and distributed them to students and their families at home while the building was temporarily closed to assess damage. Pace Lee has since been cleared to safely reopen its doors, and students have returned to school, however, the Pace girls’ need for resources continues as their families work toward recovery.

“Thanks to an outpouring of generosity from our supporters, we were able to fill an entire room of essential supplies to meet the immediate needs of all our girls and their families – now we are calling on the community to help us continue meeting those needs in the challenging months ahead,” said Jennifer Cellitti, executive director of Pace Center for Girls, Lee. “Southwest Florida has been incredibly supportive of our organization for 15 years, and we know now more than ever that the community’s continued support will be vital to helping our Pace girls and their families as they begin to recover from this devastating storm.”

Pace Lee is working to serve the long-term needs of students and their families, many of whom lost their homes, vehicles and personal belongings in some of the most hard-hit areas. The center in Fort Myers is currently collecting donations of grocery and gas gift cards as well as monetary donations at PaceCenter.org/Locations/Florida/Lee?Form=Lee.

Volunteers are also needed to help Pace Lee distribute food and supplies to Pace girls and their families. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit PaceCenter.org/Locations/Lee or call 239-425-2366.