FISH OF SANCAP, the islands’ “neighbors helping neighbors” organization, is pleased to announce its Winter Holiday programs to support families, children, and seniors in need. Now through Dec. 13th, the organization will collect food, toys, and holiday gifts to ensure the spirit of giving reaches every corner of the community.
To kick off the holiday season, members from SCBWA decorated trees with decorations donated by United Way for the upcoming toy drive. Trees will be distributed throughout the community with ornaments containing wish list QR Codes for the organization’s holiday drives. “We are incredibly grateful to SCBWA for their joyous gathering in decorating trees and to United Way for providing beautiful decorations that inspire the spirit of giving,” says Maria Espinoza, FISH Executive Director. “A heartfelt thank you to all the businesses participating in our holiday drives—your support ensures that the holidays are brighter for so many in need. Together, we are spreading hope and joy throughout our community this season.”
FISH invites the community to participate in a food drive through Dec. 13 to provide holiday meal baskets for families and individuals in need. Desired donations include Cranberry Sauce, Canned Beans, Canned Corn, Stuffing, Gravy, Canned Protein and Holiday Treats. All other non-perishable items are also welcomed. Items may be dropped off at the Sanibel Library, 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel; Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, 2500 Island Inn Rd, Sanibel or the FISH location at 2422 Periwinkle Way,Sanibel. Jerry’s Foods offers $20 pre-packaged holiday food bags for those who prefer to contribute this way.
FISH aims to brighten the Dec. holidays for local children through a community toy drive. Donations of new toys can be dropped off at the following locations:
- St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church – 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
- The Magic Bus – 362 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
- Bank of the Islands—1699 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
Donations of food, toys, and holiday gifts are also accepted at FISH, 2422 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. For more information about donating or volunteering, please contact FISH at (239) 472-4775.
The Adopt-a-Family/Senior program ensures personalized support for families and seniors who might otherwise go without during the holiday season. Donors can help make the season special by adopting a family or senior. “Every holiday season, I am deeply moved by the generosity of our community and the joy it brings to families in need,” says Merari Salinas, FISH Community Outreach Manager. “It’s touching to see how the drives not only provide essential support but also create connections between neighbors who care about one another. Seeing the smiles and gratitude of those we serve is truly the highlight of the season.” Interested donors can contact Merari Salinas at FISH by email, merari@fishofsancap.org.greenstreetmkg.com, or phone, 239-472-4775, x101. for details. For those interested in donating specifically toward the Adopt-a-Senior program, please contact Erika Arnowitz at FISH by email, erika@fishofsancap.org.greenstreetmkg.com, or phone 239-472-4775, x107.
For those seeking support, eligibility includes those living or working on the islands. Interested parties must sign up by Dec. 13th and can do so online at https://forms.gle/fww221PmA1vhjpQy9. Paper forms are also available for those who prefer an alternative to online registration.
Meal baskets for the December holidays include vegetables, traditional holiday sides, and a gift card to purchase a protein of choice, will be distributed at 2330 Palm Ridge (last unit to the right) from Dec. 18th to 20th, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. These baskets are available to island residents and workforce members known to FISH or referred by the community.
FISH remains committed to bringing cheer and support to the community, especially during the holiday season. To learn more about their work, visit their website or social media pages. If you, or a family you know, is in need of some holiday cheer, please contact Merari at FISH at 239-472-4775 or merari@fishofsancap.org.greenstreetmkg.com.