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CHARITABLE FOUNDATION OF THE ISLANDS
The Charitable Foundation of the Islands will host its 2026 Volunteer Expo on Jan. 28 at The Community House on Sanibel.
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CHARITABLE FOUNDATION OF THE ISLANDS
Attendees at the 2026 Volunteer Expo will receive the Charitable Foundation of the Islands’ new Sanibel-Captiva Volunteer Directory.
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An upcoming island event will connect community members with local volunteer opportunities.
Presented by the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI), the 2026 Volunteer Expo will take place on Jan. 28 from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at The Community House on Sanibel. Sponsored by the Pfeifer Realty Group, it will offer the chance to engage with dozens of Sanibel and Captiva groups and organizations.
CFI Executive Director Dolly Farrell explained that the first event was recommended by its Leadership Sanibel-Captiva class in 2023 after Hurricane Ian as a way to gather the community and get working.
“That’s really the genesis of the expo,” she said.
CFI has since continued the annual event because of interest from island residents and visitors.
“They want to know how to get involved and they need an easy way to do it,” Farrell said, adding that new visitors and residents continue to come to Sanibel and Captiva. “It’s a way to educate people.”
More than 50 local nonprofits, service groups, clubs and community organizations will be on site, offering attendees the opportunity to learn about volunteer opportunities across the islands.
“They’ll have an opportunity to visit the different tables,” she said. “The nonprofits will have a list of their upcoming volunteer opportunities, and they’ll be able to sign you up there.”
People can bring questions, get details about volunteer training and more.
“This gives you an opportunity to ask questions, maybe get to meet some new friends,” Farrell said. “It’s an opportunity for that dialogue.”
Attendees will receive the CFI’s new Sanibel-Captiva Volunteer Directory.
“So they’ll be able to do research on their own, as well,” she said.
In addition, CFI will award $8,000 in community grants to participating nonprofit organizations, which are being made possible through the support of grant sponsor Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU).
“LMCU as been supporting the islands since Hurricane Ian,” Farrell said in thanking them.
Designed to strengthen local programs and support organizations making a meaningful impact on Sanibel and Captiva, the grants will be presented at an awards ceremony from 5 to 5:30 p.m.
It will include a People’s Choice Award and Best Decorated Table Award.
“Registered attendees will be able to vote,” she said. “They’ll have the opportunity to vote on their favorite nonprofit.”
A panel of judges will select the Best Decorated Table.
Complimentary non-alcoholic refreshments and food will be provided.
A cash bar will also be available.
The first 250 attendees will receive a swag bag filled with giveaways from the participants.
“So come early,” Farrell said.
She extended a thank you to their presenting sponsor.
“We’re just so appreciative of Mary Ellen and Eric Pfeifer and the Pfeifer Realty Group for sponsoring the expo for the second year in a row,” Farrell said, noting that the couple are very involved on the islands. “They’re wonderful, the type of volunteers we have on the islands and are trying to cultivate.”
The Sanibel Community Association (SCA) is the venue sponsor.
“SCA has been an incredible partner for CFI this year,” she said.
While the expo is free and open to the public, registration is required online by Jan. 23.
“We ask you register in advance,” Farrell said, adding that people can still register at the door.
The community is encouraged to participate.
“We want everyone to take part, whether you’re a new resident or seasoned volunteer, because we all have the same mission, which is to make our islands stronger and better,” she said.
“You’re going to leave with such a wonderful feeling of where you live and why these islands are so special,” Farrell added.
To register, visit mycfi.org.
For more information, contact info@sancapcfi.org or 239-322-3818.
The Community House is at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
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IF YOU GO
What
2026 Volunteer Expo
When
Jan. 28 from 3:30 to 6 p.m.
Where
The Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
Details
Free and open to public