Employees from the Hooters restaurants in Fort Myers and Naples have spent years building something that has little to do with wings. Once a month, they head to Lee Health’s Cancer Support Community in Fort Myers to host “Wingo,” an evening of bingo, dinner and prizes for patients, survivors and caregivers. About 25 people turned out for the August event, up from roughly 15 when the tradition began.
The same crews keep Hootie’s Lending Library running. Started in 2022, the program has distributed more than 16,800 books to hospitals and cancer-care facilities across Southwest and South Florida. The carts bring books, word-search puzzles, coloring books, writing supplies and bookmarks to patients during treatment, and employees restock them regularly so the selection stays fresh.
The effort pairs with free services through Lee Health’s Cancer Support Community, which reported in July 2026 that nearly 175 patients, survivors and caregivers joined in its first year. Support groups, caregiver programs and wellness activities are all available at no cost. Do you know someone in Southwest Florida who could use these resources, or a local business doing similar work? Tell us in the comments.
