My Nonprofit Reviews

Northside Naples Kiwanis Foundation is an exceptional organization, filled with people of all ages, backgrounds, business professionals and retirees. This diverse group of dedicated men and women have just one united purpose: To help children in need, both individually and in large numbers. From helping supply one classroom teacher with much needed supplies for her children , to helping several thousand homeless and near homeless children with individually chosen back to school clothing and school supplies to get them off to a good start. For over 30 years this club has held Christmas events for thousands of children and their parents, supplying meals and gifts for everyone. The joy each member feels when helping needy kids or sharing the joy of philanthropy with volunteer students is far more fulfilling than the time, talent and treasure members offer. This club is simply outstanding.

I began as a volunteer a dozen years ago, then served on the board, then became executive director until retirement in 2015, and now am back full circle to being a volunteer in this amazing organization. Hundreds of local low income cancer patients have been helped during their time in chemo or radiation therapy. CAN is able to help pay non-medical bills such as their rent so they won't be evicted, and utilities to avoid being shut off. CAN offers gas gift cards to get to treatment and food gift cards for their families. Every dime made here in Collier and Lee counties stays in Collier and Lee counties.

I have personally worked with hundreds of these cancer survivors and have heard their stories of intense relief in not having to worry about loss of power or eviction. They were able to concentrate on obtaining the best possible outcome from their treatment. Physicians have told us their patients do better because of this reduced pressure.

It is a joy to continue volunteering time, talent and treasure for this organization, knowing that their mission is being fulfilled on a daily basis. We're all neighbors helping neighbors fighting cancer.

I was a guest speaker. The meeting was so much fun and so interesting, with people talking about so many upcoming events in which they were helping children, that I joined the club. The first experience I had with Northside Naples Kiwanis Foundation was helping with their annual Christmas day project "Christmas in Immokalee". 3-4,000 impoverished children and adults were fed, given holiday gifts, and had family photos taken -- their most precious gift in many cases. I took many photos that day to share with future volunteers. It was an honor to meet these wonderful guests at our event, and a privilege to be part of the hundreds who have volunteered in one capacity or the other for over 30 years in this event.