Senior Boxes Help Combat Isolation

Senior Boxes, one of our new offerings, will be distributed during August. FISH works throughout the year to combat the growing issue of isolation among seniors and has taken a harder look at it during the current health crisis.

Summer can always be a lonely time for island seniors when friends and neighbors go back north,” said Maria Espinoza, Food Program Director. The issue seems compounded now that we are living in a socially distance world so we wanted to find a way to still connect with our neighbors and give them something to look forward to without risking their health.

The inspiration for the boxes comes from the current subscription box trend where participants receive boxes of products and goodies regularly by mail. FISH plans to start by distributing 20 boxes to island seniors that are currently using other FISH services. The contents may include items like, activity books (crosswords, word searches, etc.), cards, puzzles, soaps, DIY gardening kits, candles, crochet/knitting kit, comfy socks, handheld back massager, stationery sets with stamps, and even a healthy (but sweet) treat.

“Our senior island neighbors mean a lot to us and we want them to know we’re here for them,” said Espinoza.

Anyone who is interested in assisting by either making a financial contribution to FISH Senior Boxes or would like to donate items to be used in the boxes should contact Espinoza at the FISH Walk-In Center, 239-472-4775. FISH is also seeking volunteers to assemble and deliver the boxes.

The FISH Walk-In Center and Food Pantry hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact Alicia Tighe, Executive Director, at 239-472-4775 or by email, alicia@fishofsancap.org with any questions, concerns or for assistance.