As the summer months approach and many of FISH OF SANCAP’s seasonal volunteers return to their northern homes, the organization is calling on local residents and summer visitors to step in and make a difference. While the islands may seem quieter this time of year, the need for services — and the volunteers who help keep FISH program going strong — remains steady.
Volunteers are the heart of FISH. They are the friendly faces at the food pantry, the drivers transporting neighbors to critical medical appointments, the hands assembling hurricane kits, and the team helping bring community events like the JOG N JAM to life. Every hour given helps move the FISH mission forward: to lend a helping hand to those who live or work on Sanibel and Captiva, no matter their age or circumstance.
“Volunteers are the reason we can continue to provide the breadth and depth of services we do,” says Maria Espinoza, Executive Director of FISH. “They give their time, their compassion, and their energy to ensure no one on the islands faces life’s challenges alone. Their impact is felt in every corner of the community.”
Summer is an ideal time for those new to FISH to get involved. With fewer people on island, it’s a great opportunity to receive one-on-one training, explore different roles, and become familiar with the organization before the busier fall and winter seasons begin.
FISH offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities to suit all interests and availability — from helping in the food pantry, answering phones, and making reassurance calls, to delivering meals, supporting senior programs, joining the Hurricane Committee, and assisting with event prep for the fall JOG N JAM fundraiser. Whether you’re looking for a short-term way to give back or hoping to commit long-term, there’s a place for everyone at FISH.
Volunteer duties and time commitments vary and can be tailored to fit each volunteer’s interests, skills, and schedule. For more information or to get started, contact Claire Marquardt, Volunteer & Office Coordinator, at 239-472-4775 or claire@fishofsancap.org.
