announcing the 2021 christmas basket brigade
information for families
Islander families with children up to 18 years of age who need a little help to make the holidays merry this year should register for gifts no later than Monday, November 15th. Referrals are also welcome. To register or refer a family, contact Karen, FISH Basket Brigade Chair, at 513-265-7123 or by email kdurand55@gmail.com, If Spanish conversation is required, please contact Nancy at 239-257-8385. Families, please provide a few specific gift ideas for each child aged 0-12 when registering. Children ages 13-18 will receive a gift card. Gift pick up will be December 18th from 9-11 am at the Pine Island United Methodist Church.
Information for supporters
Supporters who wish to contribute can either adopt a child, provide toys (list of popular items in the link below) or gift cards up to a $50 value to general retailers, such as, Walmart, Target, Kohls, Beall’s, Dollar General, etc., or provide monetary donations to FISH. Donation deadline is Dec. 10th, with gift drop off available at the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Station #1. Contact Karen at 513-265-7123 to discuss which option you are interested in.
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 light of the difficulties presented in 2020, Pine Island FISH is particularly grateful for the outpouring of support from our donors, volunteers and Valued Partners. In addition to donations throughout the year, our community really stepped up to support the Clothing for Kids and Christmas Brigades. Pine Island FISH is entering its 35th successful year and continues its endeavors for those in need in the greater Pine Island areas - all made possible by such generosity.
A Look Back at 2020
With the steadfast help of many generous individuals and organizations in 2020, Pine Island FISH:
- Answered and assisted nearly 1,000 callers.
- Helped 88 clients with rent, utility, prescription or medical expenses totaling more than $33,000.
- 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 in the first quarter
- Served once again as the Lead Agency for the Islands' Basket Brigades, spending more than $15,000 for families, seniors, and children, including:
New toys for 92 families with 238 children at Christmas, Winn Dixie gift cards at Christmas, and Christmas Baskets for 12 seniors/singles/couples (assisted by the Matlacha Hookers), as well as new school clothes for 149 children in the fall. - Partnered with Matlacha Hookers, Beacon of Hope, Pine Island United Methodist Church, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, Baptist Churches and other island organizations and individuals to provide assistance during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.