2020 PINE ISLAND FISH CHRISTMAS BASKEt brigade
The 2020 Pine Island FISH Basket Brigade is underway for in-need families with children and seniors/couples to assure that they enjoy the holiday.
Requests or referrals of Pine Island and/or Matlacha residents should be submitted to Mary Jo at 283-7862, Vicki 437-1171 or Nancy (Spanish) 257-8385 no later than Friday, Dec. 4th to allow time for shopping, sorting and assigning of gifts. A limited attendance wrapping party will take place on Friday, Dec. 18, at the Pine Island United Methodist Church (PIUMC) narthex; a drive-thru distribution will take place the following day, Sat. Dec. 19 at 9 – 11 am, at the same location. In addition, the PIUMC Kids’ Clothing Room (containing gently used clothing items) will also be open on the 19th at the same time in the adjacent parking lot. MASKS ARE REQUIRED FOR THE WRAPPING, DISTRIBUTION AND CLOTHING EVENTS.
Brigade members suggest that parents provide suggestions as to kinds of gifts their children would like (but please, no electronics). Brigade shoppers will do their best to accommodate those wishes within our budgetary limitations.
For specific questions about the Brigade, contact Mary Jo or Vicki at the numbers listed above.
About Us
Who We Are
Who We Are
Who We Are
Pine Island FISH is an all-volunteer association of neighbors organized to help those living in the Matlacha and Pine Island Communities. From its early beginnings in the 1980s, Pine Island FISH has grown to an organization of more than 75 members providing many valuable services.
Services
Who We Are
Who We Are
Pine Island FISH provides non-emergency transportation, lends mobility equipment to those in need, offers emergency financial assistance, gives respite relief for caregivers and stays in touch with home bound neighbors. If you need help, call the FISH line at 239-283-4442 to connect with a volunteer who is ready to help .
Volunteer
Who We Are
Volunteer
Pine Island FISH is in need of volunteer drivers, both on and off-island, telephone volunteers, individuals able to provide respite, and more. If you are interested in becoming a FISH volunteer, call 239-283-4442 or attend one of our meetings held on the first Thursday of each month at 3:00 pm at the Pine Island United Methodist Church .
Thank You!
In 2020, Pine Island FISH celebrates more than 33 successful years and continues its endeavors for those in need in the greater Pine Island areas - all made possible by the generosity of our volunteers, donors and Valued Partners.
A Look Back at the Past Year
With the steadfast help of many generous individuals and organizations in 2019, Pine Island FISH:
- Answered and assisted more than 1,000 callers.
- Helped 81 clients with rent, utility, prescription or medical expenses totaling more than $31,600.
- Loaned people in need over 500 pieces of mobility equipment.
- Logged many hours providing non-emergency transportation for island residents for doctors’ visits and essential errands.
- Matched donors with clients for specialized equipment such as hospital beds and scooters.
- Served once again as the Lead Agency for the Islands' Basket Brigades, spending more than $18,800 for families, seniors, and children, including:
New toys for 76 families with 200 children at Christmas, Winn Dixie gift cards at Christmas, Christmas Baskets for 12 seniors/singles/couples (assisted by the Matlacha Hookers), new school clothes for 145 children. - Partnered with PILOT (Pine Island Leaders of Tomorrow) after school and summer camp food programs.
- Donated $1,000 for the Kiwanis playground in St. James City.
- Partnered with Pine Island Elementary School for field trip transportation and fees.