Volunteer Expo to feature dozens of groups, organizations
An upcoming island event will connect community members with local volunteer opportunities.
Presented by the Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI), the 2025 Volunteer Expo will take place on Jan. 16 from 4 to 7 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 expo was recommended in 2023 by its Leadership Sanibel-Captiva class as a way for nonprofits to connect with potential volunteers.
“We had over 300 people. We had 20 nonprofits signed up, but other organizations kept coming day of,” she said, adding that the event’s success prompted organizing it again, but on a larger scale.
“We decided to sort of expand on what we started,” Farrell said.
This year’s expo will feature 50 entities.
“We have the very popular organizations, like FISH (of Sanibel-Captiva), SCCF (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation) and CROW (Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife),” she said. “We have nonprofits from Captiva — the Captiva Civic Association, Captiva Chapel by the Sea.”
There will be off-island nonprofits, such as Captains for Clean Water, The Heights Foundation, Lee Health and the United Way. Also, ones that may be less familiar from the islands, including the Hammerheads, San Cap Pink Project, Young Professionals, Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church and Children’s Education Center of the Islands (CECI).
“We have a few nonprofits that have a more international focus — The International Osprey Foundation, Sanibel Feed My Starving Children mobile pack,” Farrell said.
In addition, service clubs like the Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva, Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club, American Legion Post 123 and Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club will participate. There will be recreation focused groups like the America’s Boating Club of Sanibel-Captiva, Sanibel FlyFishers, Sanibel Bicycle Club and Sanibel-Captiva Shell Club, along with groups that focus on the environment and activism, such as the Committee of the Islands (COTI) and SanCap Resilience.
Attendees will be able to speak with representatives to find groups that match their interests.
She noted that the CFI will have roving ambassadors to provide assistance.
“To help you navigate through the 50 organizations,” Farrell said.
In addition to connecting community members with volunteer opportunities, the event will feature family-friendly activities for children, including a kids zone that will be provided by the CECI.
“They will bring a variety of activities,” she said, citing coloring stations and interactive crafts.
“Each child will have their own swag bag,” Farrell added.
There will be a photo booth, sponsored by the Rachel Pierce Art Gallery.
“The first 500 attendees will receive swag bags,” she said.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Additionally, the expo will offer the organizations and groups the opportunity to be selected for a mini grant. Lake Michigan Credit Union is sponsoring one for $2,000, two for $1,000 and four for $500.
“We’ll have an award for best dressed table,” Farrell said. “We’ll have people voting on that prize.”
The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company is sponsoring a directory that will be handed out.
“That’ll be a great resource for the community,” she said.
For those unable to attend, the directory will be available online afterward.
While the event is free and open to the public, advance registration is recommended. Those registered will receive a raffle ticket to win door prizes, like a local cruise, event tickets, gifts cards and more.
“No one likes to stand in line, so go ahead and register in advance,” Farrell added.
The community is invited to take part.
“This is an opportunity to give back to your community. But also to have fun. It’s fun to get involved and to make friends,” she said. “You will walk out feeling energized and engaged and inspired.”
To register, visit 2025 Sanibel-Captiva Volunteer Expo on Eventbrite or MyCFI.org.
For more information or questions, contact events@sancapcfi.org.
The Community House is at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
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IF YOU GO
What
2025 Volunteer Expo
When
Jan. 16 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Where
The Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
Details
Free and open to community