Clothing for kids registration is underway!
It’s time for the 22nd annual FISH Clothing for Kids drive to provide school clothes and gym shoes for students whose parents anticipate having difficulty in providing new items for the 2022-2023 school year.
How to Register
To register children who will be in grades K-12 this fall and live on Pine Island or Matlacha, call Karen 513-265-7123 (English) or Nancy 239-257-8385 (Spanish) no later than July 15 Information gathered will include each child’s first name, their age, gender, sizes (for ages 5-11) and school attending.
How to Donate
Those who wish to “adopt” one or more students should call Karen at 513-265-7123. The donation deadline is July 25th. For those who prefer to make a monetary contribution, tax-deductible donations may be made online by clicking the link above or by mail to Pine Island FISH. Please choose "Basket Brigades" from the drop-down when donating online. Checks may be mailed to Pine Island FISH, P.O. Box 357, Matlacha 33993. Please write "Clothing for Kids" in the memo line.
Business and service organizations willing to provide coupons and school readiiness-related items should also call Karen at the above number.
Distribution to Families
Distribution to families will be on Saturday, July 30 from 10 am – 12 pm in a drive-through format in the PI United Methodist Church parking lot by Fire Station 1. A text reminder will be sent a few days beforehand. At the time of pick up each family will also be offered a Harry Helping Food Box containing a variety of nutritious, non-perishable foods for an average of 15 family meals.
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, and provides information and a list of local respite care providers for family caregivers. 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, 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!
A Look Back at 2021
In light of the difficulties presented in the last two years, 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 in 2021.
With the support of so many we were able to shift many of our processes online and use safety protocols to loan over 400 pieces of mobility equipment and offer over $25,000 in financial support to those in need. We also were able to help over 150 of our island children get their school year off to a good start with new clothes and shoes and brighten Christmas for over 270 children and their families with toys, stocking stuffers, and holiday meals. We regretted having had to curtail our transportation services for some time during the pandemic, but even so, we were able to transport over 120 clients to needed medical, dental, financial and related appointments, as well as provide pick up and delivery from the food pantry.
We were fortunate to continue our partnerships over the year with the Matlacha Hookers, Beacon of Hope, Pine Island Food Pantry, several churches, and the Pine Island Elementary School to ensure support to all island residents in need.
Pine Island FISH is entering its 36th successful year and continues its endeavors for those in need in the greater Pine Island areas - all made possible by such generosity.