What began as a way to earn volunteer service hours became something far more lasting for Tampa high school student Giada Brestelli.
While spending two weeks with her family at their Sanibel home, Brestelli volunteered 51.5 hours with FISH of Sanibel Captiva, working in both the Food Pantry and at the front desk. By the end of her time, she had stocked shelves, unloaded food deliveries, organized donations, greeted clients, distributed youth food backpacks, and experienced firsthand the community spirit that has defined FISH for more than four decades.
Her experience became the subject of an essay for school, where she reflected on what volunteering taught her. “One of the most meaningful parts of this experience was getting to know the people who came through the doors,” Brestelli wrote. “I learned that service is about more than completing tasks. It’s also about making people feel welcomed, respected, and cared for.”
FISH relies on hundreds of volunteers each year to help deliver essential services across its programs. Volunteers assist with the Food Pantry, Meals by FISH deliveries, senior programs, disaster response, administrative support, special events, fundraising activities, and countless behind the scenes tasks that keep the organization operating each day.
“Volunteers truly are the heart of FISH,” said MJ Hays, Volunteer & Office Coordinator. “Giada jumped into every opportunity with enthusiasm and compassion. Whether she was unpacking food, organizing shelves, or welcoming someone through our front doors, she understood that every task matters because every person matters. We were grateful for her help, and even more grateful that she left with a deeper understanding of what community service can mean.”
In her essay, Brestelli described how teamwork became one of the biggest lessons she carried home. “I was fortunate to work alongside an incredible group of volunteers and staff members,” she wrote. “Whether we were answering phones, displaying products in the pantry, or helping people find resources, I could always feel the teamwork and sense of community.”
She also reflected on how volunteering changed her perspective. “Sanibel has always felt like a close-knit community, but volunteering at FISH made me understand even more deeply what it means to consider the people around you family.”
For Victoria Madaras, who worked alongside Brestelli as her volunteer service mentor, the experience mirrored what happens every day at FISH.
“Watching Giada grow more confident each day was a reminder that volunteering changes everyone involved,” said Madaras. “She came to give her time, and by the end she had become part of our FISH family. That’s something we see often. Volunteers arrive wanting to help, and they leave with new friendships, new perspectives, and a stronger connection to the community.”
As demand for services continues to grow, FISH welcomes volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. High school students are encouraged to get involved, with volunteers under the age of 18 serving alongside a parent or paired with a FISH volunteer mentor. Whether someone can give a few hours each month or several days each week, every volunteer plays an important role in helping provide food, financial assistance, senior services, education, and emergency support for island residents and workers.
“I almost find it hard to express how grateful I am for the opportunity to serve with FISH,” Brestelli concluded in her essay. “I’ve traded two weeks, 51.5 hours, in exchange for valuable experience, lifelong friendships, and a place that truly feels like home.”
Community members interested in volunteering with FISH are encouraged to contact the organization to learn about available opportunities and upcoming volunteer orientations.
Photo Caption: Student volunteer Giada Brestelli (left) with FISH volunteer Victoria Madaras during Brestelli’s two-week volunteer service at FISH.
