One Heart Stories: The Islander, Our First Donation
When Hurricane Ian made landfall in Southwest Florida in September 2022, it brought winds and storm surge that left entire communities devastated. Homes were destroyed. Families were displaced. Businesses that had stood for decades were suddenly gone. For independent retailers, who often lack the resources and safety nets that larger companies rely on, the path forward felt impossible.
For Anita Cereceda, the owner of The Islander in Fort Myers Beach, the storm's toll was overwhelming. She did not just lose a building or merchandise; she lost her livelihood. She lost her home and two of her three stores, businesses that had been in her family for generations. What remained was The Islander, her beloved shop, known for offering a truly memorable shopping experience filled with art, resort wear, jewelry, home décor, and gifts. Even though the bones of the storefront survived, the damage and financial strain threatened its future.
Anita's story is one of heartbreak, but also resilience. In the months after the storm, she faced the daunting task of not only rebuilding her own life but also trying to keep The Islander alive for her employees, customers, and community. The Islander had long been a fixture in Fort Myers Beach, a place where locals and visitors alike found treasures and created memories. Losing it would have meant losing a part of the community's heart.
In April 2023, Heart on Main Street was able to step in with support. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and partners, Anita received a $10,000 grant to help begin the recovery process for The Islander. This was the very first donation Heart on Main Street ever made. It was more than just financial assistance; it was a turning point. It showed Anita that she was not alone, and it showed us the incredible impact that even one grant can have on an independent retailer facing crisis.
That first donation provided Anita with a foundation to stabilize The Islander and move forward. It meant she could begin to repair, reopen, and serve her community once again. But her journey did not stop there. Later that year, in November 2023, Heart on Main Street returned with additional help through our Jumpstart Program. Thanks to the generosity of vendors, Anita received $22,500 in product. This allowed her to restock her store with fresh inventory, rebuild her displays, and give her customers the kind of shopping experience they had come to love at The Islander.
The Islander was more than just our first donation. It became the spark that ignited a larger movement. Anita's story reminded us why Heart on Main Street exists and why this mission matters so deeply. Independent retailers are not just small businesses. They are family legacies, employers, community anchors, and places where stories are made. When we help one retailer recover, we do more than preserve a store. We protect the history, the character, and the future of Main Street itself.
As we count down to Giving Tuesday on December 2, 2025, Anita's story stands as a powerful reminder of what is possible when we come together. Heart on Main Street began with her story. Since then, we have been able to expand our reach, helping retailers across the country through grants, inventory donations, education, and rebuild projects.
The Islander taught us that one day of generosity can have a truly lasting impact. And that is precisely what Giving Tuesday is all about.
One Day. One Heart. Endless Impact.