It didn’t take Maggi Feiner long to realize volunteerism flowed through her veins. “In high school, I worked as a candy striper,” which is a hospital volunteer, she recalled. “Working with patients was rewarding, and I realized then I wanted a life working with people.”
Today, Maggi brings that passion to her role at FISH—the comprehensive social services organization and resiliency hub for Sanibel and Captiva Islands. As president and chief executive officer, Maggi champions the positive impact of FISH while volunteering her time to make a difference.
“I started in 2003-2004. I had been retired for a few years and wanted to get involved with the community,” said Maggi. “At the time, FISH was a small organization that dealt with islanders who had unfulfilled needs. I have a background in nursing and elder law, which I felt could be an asset to the organization.”
Her first volunteer tasks involved delivering meals and helping with equipment donations. Soon Maggi racked up volunteer hours in every area in FISH. That made her a terrific addition to the FISH board of directors. As a director, board chair and eventually CEO, Maggi took part in incorporating FISH, establishing the food pantry, running its first office, and hiring FISH’s first employee.
“Winston Churchill once said, ‘We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.’ I volunteer because I have been blessed in my life. I see our community as a whole and want to assist those with needs to improve and better their lives.”
Maggi gave an example of a single mother struggling to work and take care of her child with health problems, plus care for two young family members. FISH was able to provide food, offer volunteer help for household tasks and childcare, and even deliver a donated vehicle. Eventually, the two children were placed with other relatives, the mom received an educational scholarship, and she is now able to provide for herself and her own child.
“That kind of life-changing impact happens when people volunteer,” said Maggi. “Volunteers are the lifeblood of all nonprofit organizations. Without our volunteers, we would never be able to complete our mission and make our community a beautiful and wonderful place to call home.”