This week, staff have responded to the calls for help with Hurricane Ian cleanup from more than a dozen dedicated SCCF volunteers. Coastal Watch Director Kealy McNeal sent out an email to the entire SCCF list of volunteers last week to offer boots-on-the-ground assistance in these tragic times.

“It has been such a rewarding feeling being able to help out our volunteers in their time of need,” said McNeal. “Our organization relies so heavily on the support of our volunteers and community that we consider them part of our family.”

Over the past few weeks, staff from nearly all departments have bonded over assisting emergency responders, general community support, and SCCF facilities’ hurricane cleanup. This week, there has been an added depth of emotional connection as that help extended to those who generously give us their time by volunteering in our sea turtle, shorebird, terrestrial turtle, mangrove and oyster restoration, and native plant nursery programs. Coastal Wildlife Director Kelly Sloan also helped with the coordination of the volunteer assistance efforts, especially with sea turtle volunteers who are integral to monitoring efforts. 

“There have been a lot of tears, hugs, and smiles over the past few days, and I suspect many more are in our future,” added McNeal.

Staffers are helping volunteers with access to homes, debris, appliance and furniture removal, tree work, cleaning out muck from houses, and other grueling tasks that much of the community is dealing with at this time. CEO James Evans is even part of the crew, lending his chainsaw and tree service expertise.

“It’s a lot, but we’re all in it together,” said McNeal. For on-island assistance, please email kmcneal@sccf.org.