It’s time again for the annual FISH (Fellow Islanders Sending Help, Inc.) drive to provide clothes for deserving children of Pine Island and Matlacha. The goal is to assure that all children have a new outfit for the first two days of school. Unfortunately for many parents, buying new clothes is not possible. Last year 107 students proudly wore their new attire to school, thanks to the generosity of fellow islanders who bought clothes for a specific child or made cash donations so that FISH shoppers could make the purchases.

The program falls under the umbrella of the FISH Basket Brigade which also sponsors the Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter basket programs. We’ve started a list of children by age, gender and size and will provide that information to those who wish to “adopt” a child for this purpose. Those who wish to do so are requested to purchase two shirts, two pairs of shorts or pants, a package of underwear and a package of socks. FISH will provide a $20 Payless Shoe Source gift card for each child.

Parents who wish to include their children on the list may call Peg at 283-3874 or Mary Jo at 283-7862. The same numbers apply to “adopt” a student. The last date for requests or referrals will be Aug. 12, to provide ample time for purchase and distribution prior to the first day of school, Aug. 23. The drop-off point for the clothes is Fire Station No. 1 at Pine Island Center. Anyone who wishes to give a monetary contribution, tax-deductible donations may be sent to FISH Basket Brigade, P.O. Box 357, Matlacha 33993.

For further information call Mary Jo or Peg at the phone numbers shown above.