MARIANNE PATON Delivering a bounty of school supplies to Pine Island Elementary School just in time for the new school year were members of the Matlacha Hookers, Lynne Mayhew, Mindy Coster, Rya Snipes, PIE staff Sandra Williams, PIE principal Rob Mazoli, Madam Robin Lilly, Arlene Stornello and Sandy Bruner.

Students at Pine Island Elementary have begun the school year with all the supplies needed thanks to the efforts of the Matlacha Hookers. Once again, the Hookers reached out to the Pine Island community asking for donations of much-needed school supplies. Answering this plea, the Hookers were able to ensure that all students were well equipped for a success in the classroom.

“We are so grateful to all of the island residents who came forward once again to make our school supply drive a huge success. Even during these rough economic times, people reached into their pockets, spent time shopping for items and then donating them to our drive,” said acting Madam Robin Lilly. “In addition to those who contributed we are also very thankful to the island businesses who so graciously allowed us to place our collection bins in their stores, restaurant, churches and places of business. Without this community effort, the school drive will not have surpassed our expectations and we can’t thank everyone enough.”

Among the businesses serving as donation dropoff locations were the Perfect Cup, Trader’s Hitching Post, Sandy Hook, Pine Island United Methodist Church, TIB Bank, SunTrust Bank, Wachovia Bank, Bank of America, Southwest Capital Bank, Pine Island Library, Little Lilly’s Island Deli, Century 21, Beacon of HOPE, Waterfront Restaurant, Jackie’s Restaurant, Woody’s Waterside, Low Key Tiki, the VFW, Moose Lodge, Island Grill, Pine Island Family Hair Salon, American Legion, Winn-Dixie, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church, Raymary Grill and All State Pest Control.

On receiving the school supplies, Pine Island Principal Rob Mazoli was once again overwhelmed by the amount of backpacks and items to fill them that were delivered to the school by the Matlacha Hookers.

“This is just amazing. Every year the Hookers bring more and more supplies for the children,” said Mazoli. “There is no doubt that every child will have everything they need to have a successful school year thanks to the Hookers’ efforts and the generosity of the Pine Island community.”

Mazoli also went on to share what happens after the school supplies are dropped off.

“Thanks to staff member Sandra Williams, all of the supplies are organized and she personally makes sure that they make there way to the children who need them,” said Mazoli. “She works very hard at this task every year and without her ability to organize the supplies and work with the teachers this would not go as smoothly as it does. She is instrumental in the whole process, and we are very grateful for all the effort she puts into this enormous job.”

Not resting on their laurels, the Matlacha Hookers are currently in the planning stages of their next fund-raising event to benefit the students at Pine Island Elementary School. On Oct. 17, the Hookers will present the annual Pine Island Elementary Fishing Tournament and Derby. Through this one event, over the years, members of the Matlacha Hookers have supplemented, the school library, built a new playground at the school and enabled the purchase of new technology in the form of Smart Boards for all the the classrooms with donations amounting to over $100,000.

Membership to the Matlacha Hookers is open to all women over the age of 18 and for more information, visit matlachahookers.org