The holiday season brings people together in many ways. At FISH of SanCap (FISH), it also brings neighbors together to help ensure local families, older adults and members of the island workforce have food on the table, gifts for their children and a place to turn when they need assistance.
Holiday assistance is part of FISH’s larger mission of neighbors helping neighbors. Throughout the year, the organization provides Food Programs, Senior Services, Helping Hands financial assistance and Island-Based Education to people who live or work on Sanibel and Captiva. During November and December, several of those programs take on a holiday focus.
“People often ask how they can help during the holidays, and there are many ways to get involved,” said Maria Espinoza, FISH Executive Director. “Some people volunteer their time. Others donate food, gifts or funds. It all comes together to help make the season a little easier for neighbors who may be dealing with a difficult year.”
FISH will once again provide Thanksgiving food assistance to eligible Sanibel and Captiva residents and members of the island workforce. Holiday food assistance helps households prepare a traditional meal at home without adding as much pressure to grocery budgets already stretched by housing, utilities, transportation, childcare and other expenses. Additional detail will be released soon.
FISH’s choice Food Pantry also continues regular operations throughout the holiday season. Eligible participants select food based on the needs and preferences of their household, including pantry staples, fresh produce, dairy, meat and other available items. The Food Pantry is supported by individual donors, community partners and grant funders, including the Sanctuary Golf Club Foundation, as well as food partners Harry Chapin Food Bank and Midwest Food Bank.
While food is a big part of the holiday experience, connection matters, too, particularly for older adults and others who may otherwise spend Thanksgiving alone or away from family. FISH’s Community Thanksgiving will be held Tuesday, Nov. 24, at the Sanibel Community House, beginning at 5 p.m. The annual gathering brings neighbors together to share a Thanksgiving meal and enjoy time with others in the community. Additional information will be shared through FISH’s Facebook and Instagram accounts as the event approaches.
The Thanksgiving gathering complements FISH Senior Services programs that support connection throughout the year, including Friendly Faces, reassurance calls, Smile Boxes, Meals-by-FISH and other services designed to help older residents remain connected and supported.
In December, FISH holiday assistance continues with food and gifts for eligible households. FISH works directly with participating households through its intake process to determine eligibility and individual needs. Holiday assistance can help families celebrate while allowing limited household funds to remain available for essential expenses. Additional detail will be released soon.
“For households already balancing food, housing and other essential expenses, holiday assistance can provide welcome relief during a costly time of year,” Espinoza said. “It can take one expense off a family’s plate when budgets are stretched. Just as important, it reminds people that their community cares about what they are going through.”
Community participation is a large part of FISH’s holiday efforts. Volunteer opportunities may include organizing donations, preparing food distributions, sorting gifts, assembling holiday packages and assisting with special events.
Volunteer involvement extends throughout the year with opportunities to support the Food Pantry, Meals-by-FISH, Friendly Faces, equipment loans, preparedness activities, special events and other FISH programs. Opportunities range from ongoing roles to shorter projects for those who have only a few hours available. Interested volunteers may sign up on the POINT Volunteer app, https://pointapp.org/orgs/2509.
FISH also welcomes local businesses, civic organizations, churches, neighborhood groups and other community partners interested in organizing donation drives or group volunteer projects.
Holiday assistance is an extension of the work FISH provides throughout the year. A household receiving Thanksgiving groceries may also be facing reduced work hours or an unexpected expense. An older adult joining a holiday gathering may rely on transportation, meal delivery or reassurance calls. A family receiving Christmas assistance may need groceries, school supplies or other support later in the year.
Donations, volunteers, grant funders and community partnerships help FISH respond to those needs as they arise and provide assistance to neighbors through every season.
“The holidays bring a lot of attention to giving, which is wonderful,” Espinoza said. “Every contribution becomes part of something larger. It helps FISH be here when a neighbor needs food, when an older adult needs support or when a family is facing an unexpected challenge.”
FISH encourages Sanibel and Captiva residents and members of the island workforce who need assistance to contact the organization directly. Eligibility varies by program, and staff can provide information about available services and the intake process.
Those who would like to help can volunteer, organize a food or supply drive, participate through a business or community group, or make a financial contribution.
