Hooters of Southwest Florida Brings Comfort to Cancer Patients with Monthly “Hootie’s Lending Library” Program
Southwest Florida continues to show how small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Throughout April, employees from Hooters locations in Naples and Fort Myers delivered books, activities, and encouragement to local cancer patients, part of an ongoing community initiative that is quietly transforming hospital experiences across the region.
A Simple Idea Making a Powerful Impact
The “Hootie’s Lending Library” program is a year-round effort designed to bring comfort, distraction, and a sense of normalcy to patients undergoing cancer treatment. Each month, team members visit local treatment centers stocked with materials that can help make long treatment days a little easier.
- Inspirational and light-reading books
- Word searches and puzzle books
- Coloring books for all ages
- Bookmarks and writing utensils
- Occasionally, meals for patients and families
For patients facing long hours of treatment, these simple items can provide a meaningful mental escape. The outreach builds on earlier community work, including Naples Hooters bringing books and lunch to the Bonita Springs cancer clinic.
April Visits Support Patients in Bonita Springs and Fort Myers
On April 6, team members from Naples Hooters visited the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Cancer Clinic at Bonita Health Center. During their visit, employees carefully reviewed and restocked the lending library cart, ensuring patients and their families had a full selection of reading materials and activities.
A week later, on April 13, the effort continued at the Lee Health Regional Cancer Center in Fort Myers. Employees delivered brand-new books and activity materials to library carts located on multiple floors, expanding access for even more patients and caregivers.
These visits were not just about delivering supplies. They were about connection, compassion, and showing patients they are not alone. That same community-minded spirit has also been visible in efforts like Naples Hooters supporting local students through the Christmas in July Foundation and Hooters Fort Myers celebrating its 40th anniversary with a major hunger-fighting donation.
Why Programs Like This Matter
Cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Programs like Hootie’s Lending Library help address an often-overlooked need, emotional well-being.
Reading, puzzles, and creative activities can reduce stress and anxiety, help pass time during long treatments, provide mental stimulation and distraction, and offer comfort during difficult moments.
“We want our Lending Library to provide a welcoming, comforting and supportive environment for patients and their families during their treatments,” said Kristi Quarles, Director of Marketing for Hooters of South Florida.
Growing Impact Across Southwest Florida
Since launching in 2022, Hootie’s Lending Library has delivered more than 16,000 books to hospitals across Southwest Florida, including cancer centers and children’s hospitals.
The program continues to expand, reinforcing a larger mission, giving back to the communities that support local businesses. Hooters of South Florida currently owns and operates 15 locations, and this initiative highlights how corporate brands can play a meaningful role beyond their storefronts.
Local Hooters Locations
- Hooters of Fort Myers, 4411 Cleveland Avenue, Fort Myers, FL
- Hooters of Naples, 3625 Gateway Lane, Naples, FL
For more information about community programs and events, visit Hooters Florida or follow @SouthFLHooters on social media.
A Community Effort That Keeps Growing
In a region known for its beaches and tourism, it is efforts like these that remind us what truly defines Southwest Florida, community, compassion, and people stepping up to make a difference.
And sometimes, it is as simple as a book, a puzzle, or a quiet moment of escape during a difficult day.
Related Stories
- Naples Hooters Brings Books and Lunch to Bonita Springs Cancer Clinic in Monthly Outreach Effort
- Naples Hooters Donates $6,000 and 100 Backpacks to Support Homeless Students Through Christmas in July Foundation
- Hooters Fort Myers Celebrates 40 Years with $100,000 Donation to Fight Hunger in Southwest Florida
Photos from South Florida Hooters