Interfaith Charities of South Lee

Interfaith Charities of South Lee Interfaith Charities of South Lee is a 501 c 3 non profit organization. ICSL is a food pantry and community outreach program.

ICSL is a community service organization serving the residents of South Ft Myers, Estero, and San Carlos Park. The mission is to provide help and hope to those in need in our community. This is done through the food pantry and community programs such as, financial assistance, free income tax preparation, summer lunch and much more. Since its founding in 1991, ICSL has grown at a significant rate t

o meet the increasing needs of the community. ICSL receives grants from United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades counties to assist in the payment of client utility bills, rents and mortgages. Other programs include connecting clients with available services such as VITA a free income tax return preparation service and Meals on Wheels delivers meals to those in need. We continue to add programs as we are able in order to provide essential services that would otherwise go unmet. As the Estero/San Carlos Park United Way House, other UW partners are able to utilize our property to its fullest. Each week is busy with activities including teaching English as a second language and Money Management class by the Homeownership Resource Center, to teach budgeting, setting financial goals and becoming fiscally responsible. All of our programs are only possible through the availability of the facility purchased in the fall of 2008. We are thankful for the faithfulness of our supporters, staff, volunteers, and board of directors who demonstrate their compassion in many areas of service. Without them we would not be able to meet the needs of our neighbors in our community. 98% of our cash and in-kind donations received is used directly for program activities. ICSL’s continued success is directly dependent on our volunteers. Opportunities exist in our office and pantry for sorting baked goods, stocking shelves, and assisting clients that come for help. Volunteer drivers are needed for food pick up at stores, to deliver bread or hot meals. ICSL is also an approved service learning site for FGCU students and other youth that need to complete volunteer service hours. In 2015 362 volunteers recorded 18,884 hours of service. ICSL has 2 full time and 4 part time employees. ICSL is where real needs are met by real people, that is people like you and me caring about our neighbors. We continue to be a lifeline for more men, women and children every week. We continue to need your support through your time, energy and finances to enable us to purchase food, fund programs and operational costs, purchase capital equipment and pay down the mortgage.

🌟 Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Russ! 🌟This week, we are thrilled to shine the spotlight on someone who truly embodies commi...
08/27/2025

🌟 Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Russ! 🌟

This week, we are thrilled to shine the spotlight on someone who truly embodies commitment, compassion, and consistency — Russ Schomp!

Every Wednesday, Russ shows up as one of our dedicated Pantry Runners, bringing both heart and humor to everything he does. With more than 400 volunteer hours, he has become a true champion for the people we serve.

What makes Russ stand out isn’t just the time he’s given — it’s the way he serves. Every box he prepares is packed with care and attention to detail, reflecting his deep respect for the individuals receiving it. For Russ, it’s never about numbers — it’s about ensuring each family feels dignity and kindness.

A familiar face in the Pantry, Russ has built strong connections with both fellow volunteers and clients. Whether he’s sharing a story, offering a listening ear, or sparking laughter that brightens the room, Russ helps create an environment where people feel seen, valued, and welcomed.

Russ brings joy, humility, and a spirit of service that inspires everyone around him. We are deeply grateful for his dedication and the positive energy he adds to our team.

✨ Thank you, Russ, for being such a vital part of our mission and for making a lasting difference in so many lives! ✨

🥗 𝑬𝒂𝒔𝒚 𝑪𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒏 (𝒐𝒓 𝑻𝒖𝒏𝒂) 𝑽𝒆𝒈𝒈𝒊𝒆 𝑺𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒅 🍗🐟A creamy, filling recipe straight from pantry & fridge staples!✨ You’ll need:Car...
08/26/2025

🥗 𝑬𝒂𝒔𝒚 𝑪𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒏 (𝒐𝒓 𝑻𝒖𝒏𝒂) 𝑽𝒆𝒈𝒈𝒊𝒆 𝑺𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒅 🍗🐟
A creamy, filling recipe straight from pantry & fridge staples!

✨ You’ll need:

Carrots 🥕, potatoes 🥔, peas, corn, or green beans – boiled & diced

Cooked chicken or canned tuna

1–2 boiled eggs (optional)

Mayonnaise + a pinch of salt

👩‍🍳 Mix everything in a big bowl, chill for 30 minutes, and enjoy!
💡 Great as a side dish, sandwich filling, or light meal.

Cascades is one of the local communities that helps ICSL keep our shelves stocked year-round.  This past Friday is a per...
08/25/2025

Cascades is one of the local communities that helps ICSL keep our shelves stocked year-round. This past Friday is a perfect example! Over 800 pounds of food and almost $1000 were delivered to our Pantry from their caring residents!

Special thanks to Bill Dasbach and the Cascades men's club for all their hard work and for being in our corner! We appreciate you!!

✨More Services for You✨At Interfaith Charities, we do more than provide food. 💙Did you know that we also assist with tas...
08/22/2025

✨More Services for You✨

At Interfaith Charities, we do more than provide food. 💙

Did you know that we also assist with tasks such as completing SNAP and Medicaid applications, navigating resources, and connecting you with other community programs?

Whether you need help applying for benefits, paying bills, or finding local support, we’re here for you. Our mission is to make sure every neighbor in San Carlos Park, Estero, and beyond has access to the help they need.

✨ Because at Interfaith Charities, it’s not just about food — it’s about caring for the whole person and the whole family.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT!!  Meet Jodie....Jodie Lelievre's smile and character light up a room.  She has a remarkable gift fo...
08/20/2025

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT!! Meet Jodie....

Jodie Lelievre's smile and character light up a room. She has a remarkable gift for making people feel seen and heard. Whether it's a quick hello or a longer conversation, she listens with care, creating a safe and welcoming space for our clients and volunteers to share their stories. Her compassion is visible in the way her eyes light up as she interacts with each person, showing them they truly matter.

She’s not just here to help — she’s here to connect, to uplift, and to walk alongside every client with grace and empathy. It’s clear to everyone around her that she volunteers not out of obligation, but out of a deep calling to love others well.

It’s not just what Jodie does that makes her special — it’s who she is. Her heart is as big as her smile, and her unwavering commitment to serve is an inspiration to us all.

Thank you, Jodie, for your open heart, love, and laughter. We’re so grateful to have you as part of our volunteer family, and our team is stronger because of you!

📣From Analuna's Kitchen:  𝐂𝐚𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐮𝐜𝐞🧀𝐈𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬2–3 heads cauliflower (florets)Water for steaming3–5 ...
08/19/2025

📣From Analuna's Kitchen:

𝐂𝐚𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐮𝐜𝐞🧀
𝐈𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬
2–3 heads cauliflower (florets)
Water for steaming
3–5 Tbsp butter (optional)
1–2 Tbsp butter
¼ cup flour
½ cup milk
¼ cup heavy cream
1 handful shredded cheese
𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
Steam Cauliflower: Steam florets 3–4 min until tender.
Optional: Sauté in butter for extra flavor.
Cheese Sauce: Melt butter, stir in flour, whisk in milk + cream, then melt cheese until smooth.
Serve: Pour sauce over cauliflower


💒 Our church partners are the heartbeat of our mission! ❤️ With their support, we’re able to feed families, share hope, ...
08/18/2025

💒 Our church partners are the heartbeat of our mission! ❤️ With their support, we’re able to feed families, share hope, and care for our neighbors in need.
💒 Lamb of God Church is no exception! For over 20 years, they’ve stood beside ICSL. 🙌 A huge thank you to Pastor Lucas and the amazing congregation I was blessed to meet yesterday—your faith in action is making a difference every day! ❤️

🌟 Fun Fact 📅 The ICSL Pantry serves an average of  80 families a day — these are our neighbors picking up boxes filled w...
08/15/2025

🌟 Fun Fact


📅 The ICSL Pantry serves an average of 80 families a day — these are our neighbors picking up boxes filled with meat, fresh fruits, vegetables, and other essentials. 🥕🍎🥦

📈 Why the increase?
💵 Rising living costs
🛒 Higher food prices

And remember — we offer many other services beyond what our Pantry offers at our Outreach Center!

If you or someone you know needs help — or if you’d like to get involved as a volunteer or donor — we’d love to hear from you.

❤️ Together, we do more.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT!  Meet Mary Buckley! With over 300 hours, Mary walks through the big blue doors of our Food Pantry t...
08/13/2025

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT! Meet Mary Buckley!

With over 300 hours, Mary walks through the big blue doors of our Food Pantry twice a week with a shining smile and a heart full of purpose. The moment she clocks in, she asks, “What should I start doing?” –– true testament to her incredible work ethic and team spirit.
Mary is not only a dependable volunteer, but also the kind of person who lights up the room. Whether she’s sorting through donation boxes, restocking the meat freezer, filling the front coolers so runners can quickly grab items for clients, or simply offering a listening ear to her fellow volunteers, she does it all with kindness and dedication. Mary is the life of the party and our go-to for lively conversations with her strong Boston accent and hilarious stories from her past that always make us laugh! We should also mention that she is a fabulous cook! Her Greek roots are special to her, and she likes to make meals for neighbors and friends whenever she can.
A long-time resident of Breckenridge, Mary is deeply connected to her community. During the season, you’ll often hear her share stories about playing Bingo, helping a neighbor — or about antics of the last ride in her golf cart! This year, she and another volunteer, Barbara, played a crucial role in helping us during the Letter Carrier Food Drive and collected a generous amount of donations from the residents of Breckenridge.
Mary's sense of humor is contagious, her commitment to the mission of ICSL unwavering, and her presence irreplaceable.
Thank you, Mary, for being such a vital part of our volunteer family!

🍲 Creamy Potato Soup 🥔🥣Cozy, filling, and made with pantry staples!✨ You’ll need:4 potatoes, diced1 onion (or onion powd...
08/12/2025

🍲 Creamy Potato Soup 🥔🥣
Cozy, filling, and made with pantry staples!

✨ You’ll need:

4 potatoes, diced

1 onion (or onion powder)

3 cups broth or water

1 cup milk (or evaporated milk)

Salt, pepper, garlic powder

👩‍🍳 Boil potatoes & onion in broth until tender. Add milk, season, and mash lightly for a creamy texture.
💡 Top with shredded cheese or bacon bits if you have them!


Myers

By playing board games, we can practice English in a fun way! With the game Headbands, we guess animals, objects, and mo...
08/11/2025

By playing board games, we can practice English in a fun way!
With the game Headbands, we guess animals, objects, and more by asking simple questions to get clues. It’s a great way for adult English students to use basic language and improve their skills while having fun.
Join our ESL Program! 📚
✨ Whether you want to improve your English as a student or share your skills as a volunteer tutor, we’d love to have you! Learn, teach, and connect in a welcoming community.

Mondays and Wednesdays, from 10 to 11:30
at our Outreach Center

Do you know a senior who would enjoy an afternoon of conversation and fun?  Please share!
08/10/2025

Do you know a senior who would enjoy an afternoon of conversation and fun? Please share!

Address

Pantry: 17592 Rockefeller Cir Outreach: 18011 S Tamiami Trl, Ste 28 Fort Myers, FL 33908
Fort Myers, FL
33967

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 1pm
Wednesday 9am - 1pm
Thursday 9am - 1pm
Friday 9am - 1pm
Saturday 9am - 1pm

Telephone

+12392673510

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