Helping Local Kids, One Bucket at a Time: The Miracle Bucket Sale Returns to Port Charlotte

This month, when you're watching those sad late night TV Children's Hospitals Commercials, did you even know we have one serving Charlotte County?  And would you consider supporting it?  Here's how!

 

The bright red buckets are back—and they’re doing more than just carrying tools and hardware. From August 1st through 3rd, all three Sunshine Ace Hardware locations in Charlotte County will participate in the annual Miracle Bucket Sale, a statewide fundraiser benefiting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. But for families in our region, this is more than just a sale—it’s a lifeline.

 

Here’s how it works: customers who donate $5 to the Children’s Miracle Network will receive a limited-edition five-gallon bucket and enjoy 20% off nearly everything they can fit inside it. The idea is simple but powerful—every bucket sold helps raise funds that go directly to Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, the only children’s hospital serving our area.

 

While the fundraiser is happening across Florida, the impact here at home is deeply personal. The Port Charlotte stores on Tamiami Trail and Kings Highway, along with the Babcock Ranch location, are all taking part, giving Charlotte County residents three convenient ways to get involved. Each store is not only encouraging customers to donate but also helping spread awareness about the critical services Golisano provides—from NICU care for premature infants to pediatric cancer treatment and emergency services.

 

Golisano Children’s Hospital, located in Fort Myers, is the only Childresn's hospital between Miami and Tampa, and plays a central role in caring for children across Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Glades, and Hendry counties. And thanks to partnerships like this one, local kids can receive top-tier care without having to travel far from home.

 

Since Sunshine Ace Hardware adopted CMN as a charitable partner in 2019, the company’s network of stores—including those in Charlotte County—has raised nearly half a million dollars for children’s healthcare.

 

Michael Wynn, president of Sunshine Ace Hardware, says giving back is built into the company’s culture. “One of our core values is ‘Care for Your Neighbor,’” he said. “Children’s Miracle Network helps patients get health care they might otherwise struggle to access.”

 

Sunshine Ace is not just for "nuts n bolts". So if you’re planning a home project, need some fishing equipment, basic back to school supplies, stuff for the grill, or just need a reason to stop by the hardware store, consider doing it during the first weekend of August. You’ll walk out with a full bucket—and the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping fill a greater need in our community.

 

So let’s turn 5 Gallon buckets into miracles, Port Charlotte, and help relieve the heartache that only the family of a chronically sick child can understand.

 

Participating Charlotte County Locations:

• Port Charlotte – Tamiami Trail (3035 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33952)

• Port Charlotte – Kingsway (912a Kings Highway, Port Charlotte, FL 33980)

• Babcock Ranch (42080 Cypress Parkway, Suite 11, Babcock Ranch, FL 33982)Wikipedia+Babcock Ranch (42080 Cypress Parkway, Suite 11, Babcock Ranch, FL 33982)