Cape Coral builders group chips in

The city of Cape Coral’s Special Populations program received an early holiday donation from the Cape Coral Construction Industry Association on Wednesday.

The association donated more than $2,000 worth of paper goods, baby wipes, cleaning supplies and arts and crafts supplies to the Special Populations program.

“They needed some assistance and I couldn’t think of a better organization that needed the help,” said Jeremy Johnson, CCCIA president.

Special Populations is a part of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and provides people with developmental disabilities a variety of programs aimed to help promote independence and life skills. The program has around 100 participants who attend five days a week. Program activities including art and music therapy, job skills training and social and life skills.

The donations were off Special Populations’ “needs list” that was circulated to CCCIA members through email and at meetings.

“Their members really rallied and came through with donations this year and last year,” said Sara Sansone, Special Populations supervisor. “It’s nice they continued this year as well. We’re pleased with our new partnership.”

This year, the association also had a holiday luncheon of turkey with all the fixings at the Special Populations center. Members interacted with program participants sharing laughs and conversation.

“It was their idea to spend lunch with us,” Sansone said. “(They’re) getting to know them and seeing some of their needs.”

Johnson said he first met with the Special Population participants at a city leadership program and spent time at the center. He said that experience helped him to decide to have a CCCIA donation drive to help Special Populations.

“We got to meet them and it was really enlightening,” Johnson said.

The association is looking to make this donation drive an annual event and they hope to work with the center on future construction projects.

“I’m looking forward to carrying out the tradition,” said incoming vice president Anthony Greco Jr. “To help them out and raise awareness to what the city is doing with this great program.”