Planning for annual Christmas Basket Brigade under way
Pine Island FISH is in the planning stages of this year’s annual Christmas Basket Brigade. As most Pine Island/Matlacha residents know, this is a coalition of churches, organizations, businesses and generous islanders to assure that families and individuals in financial straits may enjoy a pleasant holiday. In 2012 there were 102 families (224 children) and 46 singles or couples who received assistance.
Requests or referrals should be submitted to Peg Harmon at 283-3874 or Mary Jo Roane at 283-7862 no later than Friday, Dec. 6, to allow time for shopping, sorting and assigning of gifts. A gift-wrapping party will take place at 9 a.m., Friday, Dec. 20, at the Pine Island United Methodist Church with distribution the next day, Saturday Dec. 21, at 9 a.m., same location.
Brigade officials suggest that parents provide suggestions as to the kinds of gifts their children would like (but please, no electronics). Brigade shoppers will do their best to accommodate those wishes within our budgetary limitations. Kids 13 years old and above will receive gift cards from Target.
Those who wish to contribute to the Brigade may send donations to Pine Island FISH, P.O. Box 357, Matlacha FL 33993. Please write “Brigade” in the memo line. For further information, contact Mary Jo or Peg at the numbers shown above.