{"id":124082,"date":"2026-01-19T20:07:20","date_gmt":"2026-01-19T20:07:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/124082\/"},"modified":"2026-01-19T20:07:20","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T20:07:20","slug":"volunteer-expo-to-feature-organizations-groups-sanibel-captiva","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/124082\/","title":{"rendered":"Volunteer Expo to feature organizations, groups – SANIBEL-CAPTIVA"},"content":{"rendered":"


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CHARITABLE FOUNDATION OF THE ISLANDS
\nThe Charitable Foundation of the Islands will host its 2026 Volunteer Expo on Jan. 28 at The Community House on Sanibel.<\/p>\n

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CHARITABLE FOUNDATION OF THE ISLANDS
\nAttendees at the 2026 Volunteer Expo will receive the Charitable Foundation of the Islands’ new Sanibel-Captiva Volunteer Directory.<\/p>\n

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An upcoming island event will connect community members with local volunteer opportunities.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s really the genesis of the expo,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

CFI has since continued the annual event because of interest from island residents and visitors.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey want to know how to get involved and they need an easy way to do it,\u201d Farrell said, adding that new visitors and residents continue to come to Sanibel and Captiva. \u201cIt\u2019s a way to educate people.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ll have an opportunity to visit the different tables,\u201d she said. \u201cThe nonprofits will have a list of their upcoming volunteer opportunities, and they\u2019ll be able to sign you up there.\u201d<\/p>\n

People can bring questions, get details about volunteer training and more.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis gives you an opportunity to ask questions, maybe get to meet some new friends,\u201d Farrell said. \u201cIt\u2019s an opportunity for that dialogue.\u201d<\/p>\n

Attendees will receive the CFI\u2019s new Sanibel-Captiva Volunteer Directory.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo they\u2019ll be able to do research on their own, as well,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

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).<\/p>\n

\u201cLMCU as been supporting the islands since Hurricane Ian,\u201d Farrell said in thanking them.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

It will include a People\u2019s Choice Award and Best Decorated Table Award.<\/p>\n

\u201cRegistered attendees will be able to vote,\u201d she said. \u201cThey\u2019ll have the opportunity to vote on their favorite nonprofit.\u201d<\/p>\n

A panel of judges will select the Best Decorated Table.<\/p>\n

Complimentary non-alcoholic refreshments and food will be provided.<\/p>\n

A cash bar will also be available.<\/p>\n

The first 250 attendees will receive a swag bag filled with giveaways from the participants.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo come early,\u201d Farrell said.<\/p>\n

She extended a thank you to their presenting sponsor.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re 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,\u201d Farrell said, noting that the couple are very involved on the islands. \u201cThey\u2019re wonderful, the type of volunteers we have on the islands and are trying to cultivate.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Sanibel Community Association (SCA) is the venue sponsor.<\/p>\n

\u201cSCA has been an incredible partner for CFI this year,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

While the expo is free and open to the public, registration is required online by Jan. 23.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe ask you register in advance,\u201d Farrell said, adding that people can still register at the door.<\/p>\n

The community is encouraged to participate.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want everyone to take part, whether you\u2019re a new resident or seasoned volunteer, because we all have the same mission, which is to make our islands stronger and better,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re going to leave with such a wonderful feeling of where you live and why these islands are so special,\u201d Farrell added.<\/p>\n

To register, visit mycfi.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

For more information, contact info@sancapcfi.org or 239-322-3818.<\/p>\n

The Community House is at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.<\/p>\n

\u2026..<\/p>\n

IF YOU GO<\/p>\n

What<\/p>\n

2026 Volunteer Expo<\/p>\n

When<\/p>\n

Jan. 28 from 3:30 to 6 p.m.<\/p>\n

Where<\/p>\n

The Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel<\/p>\n

Details<\/p>\n

Free and open to public<\/p>\n


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