Vowing to make sure that all children returning to Pine Island Elementary School will have a new outfit, members of FISH are asking the community for its help. Each year, FISH solicits donations to ensure that children in need will have at least two new outfits to begin the school year.

“The reason we began the program is to help boost the self-esteem of some of the children returning to school. We believe that getting a brand new outfit to begin the school year will help brighten the spirits of a child who might not otherwise have a new set of clothes. This lifting of spirits often is reflected in the child’s enthusiasm to return to school,” said Peg Harmon, clothes drive organizer. “Each year, it seems the need to help with back to school clothing gets greater and it is our hope that with the generosity of our island neighbors, no child will go back to school without a new outfit to wear.”

According to Harmon, last year FISH, with the help of donations, was able to provide clothing for 107 Pine Island Elementary School students. This year, that number is expected to increase.

“When the Clothes for Kids program began nine years ago, we had 35 requests and each year that number continues to grow,” said Harmon. “Two years ago, the requests numbered 88 and then rose again last year to 107 and we expect to have at least that many this year.”

Each child registered for the Clothes for Kids drive will receive two shirts, two pairs of shorts or pants, a package of socks and undergarments as well as a $20 gift card to Payless Shoes so that each child also will have a new footware for the start of the school year.

“We develop of list of children by their age, gender and size and anyone wishing to ‘adopt’ a child will be given this information to help with their shopping,” said Harmon. “Those children who are not ‘adopted’ will be divided up among our volunteer shoppers so that each child will have clothes appropriate for school.”

The names of the participating families and their children are kept confidential.

According to Harmon, donations come by way of individual contributions as well as from local churches and other organizations. Among those who participate in the program each year is the Matlacha Hookers.

“One of our missions says that we, as an organization, are hooked on education and this is one of many ways in which we try to help kids succeed in school,” said vice madam, Robin Lilly. “This year we will be sponsoring 20 children of various ages. It is our thought that if a child feels good about themselves, they will be better students and this will help them to succeed in school.”

Those who would like to “adopt” a child for the FISH Clothes for Kids drive can call Peg Harmon at 283-3874 or Mary Jo Roane at 283-7862. Once the school clothes have been purchased, they may be dropped off at Matlacha-Pine Island Fire Station #1 at the island center where they will be picked up and delivered to families in time for the first day of school. Monetary donations which are normally sent to a Post Office box in Matlacha may now be mailed to FISH Basket Brigade, 4492 Pine Hill Court, St. James City, Fla. 33956.

“Because of the recent closure of the Matlacha Post Office, we are asking contributors to use this mailing address for the Clothes for Kids drive only and for no other purpose,” said Harmon.

For those parents who would like to have their children added to the list for shoppers, the last date to register is Aug. 12, in order to provide enough time for shoppers to purchase and distribute clothing prior to the first day of school.

For more information, or to register a child or children, call Peg Harmon at 283-3874 or Mary Jo Roane at 283-7862.