FORT MYERS, Fla. (Sept. 5, 2013) – Members of Chico’s construction and design departments recently completed a mural for Community Cooperative Ministries, Inc.’s Montessori Preschool’s playground.

Three teams from the Fort Myers-based women’s retailer spent three days creating and completing the colorful mural on the exterior wall of CCMI’s preschool playground. The colorful mural includes various scenes including a cityscape, farm, sea life and flower garden.

“The Chico’s team was great to work with, and we are so grateful for Chico’s donating their talents and time,” said Cindy Venezia, Montessori director for CCMI. “We wanted something that was fun and educational for the students. What they created is amazing and really adds life to our school.”

Chico’s FAS, through its brands, Chico’s, White House | Black Market, Soma Intimates and Boston Proper, is a specialty retailer of private branded, sophisticated, casual-to-dressy clothing, intimates, complementary accessories and other non-clothing gift items. Founded on Sanibel in 1983, the company gives back to its community through supporting neighborhood programs that are aligned with their core values, the arts, festivals and events that enhance the community through promoting women and children and preserving green space.

CCMI is an innovative nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization made up of social service entrepreneurs fighting to end homelessness and hunger in our community. The agency provides more than 15,000 meals each month through its Everyday Cafés and Meals on Wheels programs. CCMI also educates 35 children in its Community Montessori Preschool, offers homeless services and comprehensive case coaching services through its United Way Resource Houses, oversees a community mobile food pantry, as well as school pantries and a weekend backpack program that supplies emergency food to more than 1,500 children each school year.

CCMI serves Fort Myers and the greater Lee County area, including Bonita Springs, Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres. CCMI works in partnership with United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades, Harry Chapin Food Bank and regional community foundations as well as collaborating with fellow community and service groups including The School District of Lee County and numerous churches, businesses and community support organizations.

For more information, call 239-332-7687 or visit www.ccmileecounty.com.