Next week\u2019s theme for the Love Sanibel Back initiative will include a special community event.<\/p>\n
Organized by Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, in partnership with the city and SanCap Chamber and with support from sponsors and businesses, the campaign\u2019s theme for July 13-19 \u2014 Week 7 \u2014 will be \u201cBeach Kindness Week.\u201d On July 13, a Shell Stroll will be held from noon to 4 p.m.<\/p>\n
Church Director of Communications, Community Engagement and Formation Sue Van Oss explained that the annual Luminary is a treasured island event, so they thought of what similar they could plan.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat takes into account shelling, which makes Sanibel so unique,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
For the first-ever Shell Stroll, participants will begin their adventure at Bubbly Latitude, where they will receive an event passport and a map. The map will feature 40 participating locations to visit.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey can set out and go in any order,\u201d Van Oss said. \u201cThey can choose to stop wherever.\u201d<\/p>\n
She noted that the locations are businesses, organizations and more.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s everything from retail to the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District\u2019s office,\u201d Van Oss said. \u201cThere\u2019s a couple of resorts.\u201d<\/p>\n
At each stop, they will receive a stamp on their passport.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd at each location, they will receive a free shell. It might be a painted shell or a natural shell,\u201d she said. \u201cSo they could end up with 40 different shells if they visit them all.\u201d<\/p>\n
In addition, some locations will offer shell activities or prizes. For example, the Shellcrafters at The Community House will be doing demonstrations or classes on what can be done with seashells.<\/p>\n
Also from noon to 4 p.m., the church will host a family-friendly celebration. Once participants collect 10 stamps on their passport, they can head to Saint Michael and redeem it for shell-themed prizes.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have shell books,\u201d Van Oss said. \u201cWe have painted shells from one of the shell fairies.\u201d<\/p>\n
She noted that those who want to collect more than 10 free shells can always stop by the church to redeem their passport and go back out, visiting as many of the remaining locations until 4 p.m.<\/p>\n
The celebration will also feature activities and more.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Santiva Islanders will be staffing shell painting tables \u2014 the natural ones that they collect, they can come and decorate them,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ll have all the supplies provided.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Shack of Sanibel is donating beach-themed ice cream and Pinocchio\u2019s Original Italian Ice Cream is donating seashell cookies. In addition, Saint Michael is providing snacks and refreshments to enjoy.<\/p>\n
The public is invited to take part.<\/p>\n
\u201cShells are so unique to Sanibel,\u201d Van Oss said. \u201cIt\u2019s a way to really engage in the uniqueness of Sanibel and travel the island collecting shells and connecting with residents and visitors.\u201d<\/p>\n