A University of Tampa sophomore raised more than $2,000 to purchase supplies for Hurricane Ian survivors in Fort Myers that she plans to deliver this weekend.

"I'm a college student, so I don't really have a lot of my own money to spend on donations," said Chloe Ottani, 19. "But I wanted to do something to help."

Last Sunday, Ottani created a GoFundMe account to raise money. She said her initial goal was $1,000, which she quickly reached. So on Friday, as donations topped $2,000, the goal was increased to $2,500.

"It's really been awesome," she said. "I've gotten a lot of people to donate so far."

Ottani's apartment is located in Zone A and she had to evacuate last week. After the storm, she said she was inspired to help after seeing the destruction Ian left behind.

"I was just really sympathizing with them, I felt so bad," said Ottani. "It was supposed to be us and I just felt so upset and sad. Honestly, I felt like I was going to cry."

The sophomore also joined a Fort Myers Facebook group to ask survivors directly what items they needed most. Ottani said she went out and purchased those items, which include diapers, baby wipes, bedding and toiletries.

"Air mattresses were a really big need because a lot of people are just without anything," she said. "They're literally sleeping on tents and parking lots." ​

Ottani said survivors also told her where her supplies were needed the most, and she plans to drive to Fort Myers on Saturday to deliver them.

"I'm planning on leaving around 8 a.m. with my roommate and we're headed down to Harlem Heights," she said. "We're bringing a table with us, so we're going to actually set up in a parking lot." 

GoFundMe.com, or any other third-party online fundraiser, is not managed by Spectrum Bay News 9 or Spectrum News 13. For more information on how GoFundMe works and its rules, visit http://www.gofundme.com/safety.