Southwest Florida College Pays it Forward to Community

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Aug. 15, 2013 - PRLog -- Southwest Florida College is partnering with Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc. to create a series of “Lollipop Moments” for Lee County residents on Saturday, Aug. 17. Students and staff will hand out giant lollipops to passersby from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at all Lee County Goodwill retail stores except Lehigh Acres, Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel.

Each oversized lollipop will carry such inspirational messages as: “Remember to Pay It Forward.” “Acknowledge Those Who Make a Difference.” “Create Moments That Last.”

 The Southwest Florida College representatives also will pass out coupons good for 50% off one item at the Goodwill stores to boost awareness for Goodwill Industries’ catchphrase: Donate, Shop, Change a Life! This is the first of 40 community initiatives planned between now and summer 2014, when the College officially celebrates its 40th anniversary. 

 “We’re not asking anyone to commit to anything, we’re just doing this as a way to hopefully brighten someone’s day,” said Southwest Florida College Community & High School Relations Specialist Valerie Clark. “We just want to say ‘thank you’ to our community for 40 years of ongoing support.”

Media are invited to visit the Goodwill retail stores between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to spotlight the acts of kindness, particularly the Goodwill Retail & Donation Center at 13500 Plantation Road (Fort Myers) where Southwest Florida College CEO Jim Mathis will lead the “Lollipop Moments” initiative he advocates by handing out lollipops to those donating and shopping at the Goodwill store.

“We love that Southwest Florida College has chosen us to be a part of their community initiatives,” says Madison Mitchell, spokesperson at Goodwill. “Support from our shoppers and donors allows us to provide so many programs and services across Southwest Florida. This is a nice way to say ‘thank you for your involvement’.”

About Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc.
Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc. serves individuals with disabilities and disadvantages with life-changing opportunities to achieve independence.  Supported programs include Job-Link employment resource centers, Goodwill L.I.F.E. Academy a tuition-free charter school for students with developmental disabilities and income sensitive housing for people with disabilities and older adults. Last year, Goodwill was able to assist more than 30,000 individuals in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades Counties. For more information about Goodwill’s programs in Southwest Florida, visit www.goodwillswfl.org.

About Southwest Florida College
Established in 1974, Southwest Florida College is an accredited private institution committed to offering students career-focused programs that are relevant to employers’ needs. With campuses in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Port Charlotte, Tampa, and Online, the College prepares students for success in today’s most demanding careers. Southwest Florida College offers degree and diploma programs in Allied Health, Business, Design, Education, Information Technology, Legal Studies and Nursing, as well as GED Prep. 

Program offerings vary by campus; call 877-820-7306 or visit www.swfc.edu for more information.