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Guest Commentary: 2023 Pine Island FISH Basket Brigade efforts under way

By Staff | Nov 29, 2023

The 2023 Pine Island FISH Basket Brigade is well under way, and we are gearing up to bring holiday joy to families in need within our community. 

Over the years, our program has grown significantly, thanks to the incredible support and generosity of individuals like you. In 2022, we proudly served 125 families and over 300 children. This year we have approximately 200 families needing assistance. The increase in growth shows how vital this program is to the children and families of Greater Pine Island. 

But we cannot do it without you. 

This year, we are returning to the Giving Tree model, where adopters can select a child’s “ornament gift wish” from trees placed throughout Greater Pine Island. Adopters will then shop, wrap, and return gifts by December 8th to the same location where they picked up their ornaments or drop off at Fire Station 1 or any of the locations below:  

Ornament Pickup Locations: 

– Matlacha: Blue Dog Bar & Grill 

– Bokeelia: Fire Station 1 or OLMM Catholic Church 

– St. James City: United Methodist Church, Pine Island Community Church, St. John Episcopal Church or the VFW.  

As a reminder, this year’s distribution location is at the Fishers of Men Lutheran Church, located at 10360 Stringfellow Road, St. James City, FL 33956 (just south of Center on the east side of the Stringfellow). The distribution will take place on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. 

For those who wish to contribute to the brigade but cannot adopt, we accept all donations to Pine Island FISH, P.O. Box 357, Matlacha, FL 33993, with “Brigade” written in the memo line. Donations can also be made online at pineislandfish.org. 

If you would like to learn more about our organization or have specific questions about the Basket Brigade, please visit our website at www.pineislandfish.org or contact Darcy Conner at 954-816-9779 or Carolyn Ryzanych 707-291-0310. 

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to making the holiday season brighter for those in need. Together, we can make a difference in our community. 

Pine Island FISH (Fellow Islanders Sending Help), is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and all-volunteer association of neighbors organized to help those living in the Matlacha and Pine Island Communities.  Pine Island FISH offers the following services: Non-emergency transportation to medical facilities, grocery stores, pharmacy, bank, etc. to those with no access to transportation; mobility equipment lending:  wheelchairs, walkers, etc., assistance with special needs: emergency financial assistance for rent, utilities, medical costs, etc., respite information for family caregivers and a list of providers that serve our island communities, and is the lead agency in the Pine Island “Basket Brigade” programs.  There is no charge for FISH services, however, equipment and monetary donations are welcome.  For more information about the organization, visit the website at www.pineisland fish.org.