FISH of Sanibel-Captiva (FISH) recently attended the “Reimagine” volunteer event at Shell Point Retirement Community during National Volunteer Week.
Kathy Samson, FISH Foundation board member and marketing consultant, and Kim Baker, executive assistant, represented FISH at the event. The program brought together Shell Point residents and local nonprofits to strengthen volunteer connections and expand service across the region.
As noted by Shell Point, “The event, ‘Reimagine’, reflects a growing vision for volunteerism at Shell Point, and our residents are continuing to expand their impact beyond campus and create new ways to serve our neighbors through local nonprofits, including FISH of Sanibel-Captiva, The Salvation Army USA of Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties, Dr. Piper Center, and ECHO. Special thanks to guest speaker and author Wayne Lehrer, who reminded residents that finding your purpose through volunteering strengthens our community and enriches the lives of those who serve.”
Shell Point shared the scale of its volunteer impact. The community reported 617 resident volunteers contributing more than 88,100 hours of service in the past year. The event focused on how that effort can extend beyond campus to support local organizations, including FISH.
FISH relies on volunteers to carry out daily services across the islands. In 2025, over 281 volunteers gave more than 5,400 hours of service, valued at nearly $180,000. That support helps meet thousands of service requests each year.
The value of volunteerism extends beyond cost savings by building trust through consistent presence. FISH volunteers deliver meals and take time to check in with older residents. They greet neighbors at the food pantry and help them move through the intake process with ease. Volunteer actions help support stability and keep neighbors moving forward.
FISH offers many ways to get involved. Volunteers support the food pantry, meal deliveries, Friendly Faces luncheons, Smile Box packing, front office support, special events and more. Opportunities range from weekly commitments to single-day projects, allowing individuals to match their time and skills to community needs.
“Volunteers are part of how we show up every day,” said MJ Hays, Volunteer and Office Manager. “Many of our volunteers build relationships with the people they serve. That connection helps us respond faster and support people in a way that feels personal and respectful.”
FISH continues to invest in its volunteer program. The organization is part of the 2025/2026 Service Enterprise cohort through Volunteer Florida, facilitated by Service Enterprise Coach and Trainer Beth Steinhorn. This research-based accreditation program trains nonprofits to engage volunteers in a structured way that expands capacity and improves service delivery. Through this work, FISH is strengthening systems, training, and alignment so volunteer efforts can support long-term impact.
“Participation in events like “Reimagine” builds stronger connections between volunteers and local organizations. It creates ways for individuals to give time and support neighbors consistently,” continues Hays.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact MJ Hays, Volunteer and Office Manager, at FISH.
