FISH OF SANCAP Prepares for Holiday Giving

FISH OF SANCAP, the islands’ a ‘neighbors helping neighbors’ organization, gears up for the December holidays by offering meal baskets, family/child gifts and gifts for seniors as part of their Holiday Programming.

‘Sponsor a Senior’, specifically for the islands’ senior population, is designed to bring merriment and cheer to island elders. FISH is providing personalized holiday gifts specifically requested by the participant beautifully wrapped for the holiday. Items may include blankets, a robe, or plants, etc.  According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), ‘socially isolated older adults are at higher risk for depression. The focus on family, friends and togetherness during this time of year can actually bring melancholy feelings to the forefront for many elders’.  “Over the years, we’ve noticed that our older population begins to feel more isolated and unhappy this time of year,” says Erika Broyles, Senior Services Director, FISH.  “Because of the hurricane, many have been displaced and may not have seen family or loved ones for some time. Many will celebrate the holidays alone, and we’d like to bring some cheer to them this season.”  For those wishing to provide support or gifts for community seniors, please contact Erika at FISH to fulfil a specific senior gift request.

For others served by FISH, under-employment and lost income from the hurricane disaster continues and is largely why families will spend very little this holiday season. Assisting neighbors through the FISH Adopt-A-Family Program is a simple act of kindness that can make all the difference in the world to a neighbor this holiday season. FISH will supply a wish list from Adopt-A-Family participants, and from there, it’s simple! Donors shop for gifts; all items must be new purchases. Donors drop off gifts at the FISH Food Pantry, located at 2422 Periwinkle Way, by 4:00pm on December 15th

Additionally, FISH is offering a Holiday Meal Basket to island residents and workforce in need. Baskets are offered to households who are known to FISH through participation in other programs or referred by community members. Thanks to donors, community partners and volunteers, baskets of food including vegetables, traditional holiday sides, holiday ‘goodies’ and a gift card to purchase a protein of choice will be assembled and distributed just in time for the holiday. Basket distribution for the Christmas holiday will take place from 10:00a-3:00p on December 20^th-22^nd at the organization’s Sanibel location, 2422 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

If you or a family you know is in need of some holiday cheer, please contact Merari at FISH at 239-472-4775 or merari@fishofsancap.org. If you would like to donate gifts, toys or food to the holiday programs, items are being accepted at FISH, 2422 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

To learn more about FISH, please visit their website and social media pages to see firsthand how the agency works to better the community and particularly their response to the Ian disaster. To learn more about hurricane recovery and other services of FISH, please contact Maria Espinoza, Executive Director, at (239) 472-4775.