Matlacha Hookers drive a success
Thanks to the generous support from islanders and island businesses, the Matlacha Hookers were able to deliver hundreds of much needed school supplies to the Pine Island Elementary School for the 2020-2021 school year.
Karen Durand, Back to School Chair, said, “While we knew that the needs of our parents would be great, we didn’t know what to expect since we were dealing with curtailed access to participating businesses and wanted to minimize public health concerns. In addition, several teachers shared that due to COVID-19 each child would need their own supplies this year. There would be no sharing of supplies in the classroom.”
The Matlacha Hookers placed bins at local businesses as they reopened this summer with lists of supplies the teachers requested students bring in at the start of the school year. They then collected the bins, which included backpacks, earbuds and headphones, pencil boxes, pencils, pens, erasers and glue stocks, scissors, markers and crayons, composition books, spiral notebooks, pocket folders and index cards along with tissue, baggies, disinfectant wipes and paper towels among other items.
Durand said, “As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, we were able to offer our supporters the opportunity to donate both product and money, which allowed us to successfully fill in the gaps and purchase supplies which were not donated in the bins. The support from everyone has been tremendous.”
The remaining cash donated will be given to the school in the form of a check for additional needs that may come up.
New P.I.E. Principal Dr. Thomas Millins said he greatly appreciates the help provided by the Matlacha Hookers, residents and businesses on the island to ensure no child goes without needed school supplies this year. He thanked the Hookers and said, “It’s really great to come to a school and see all of this civic support, led by the Matlacha Hookers, who make such a positive difference in the community. We are very grateful for these donations. This is truly at community that takes care of its own, which includes the Pine Island Elementary School.”
The Hookers would like to give a special thanks El Pollo Rico for donating 400 pairs of ear buds to the school, and gives a big “shout out thank you” to all of the participating businesses in this year’s back to school drive. These included, the Matlacha Post Office, The Perfect Cup, Blue Dog Restaurant, Trader’s Hitching Post, Yucatan Bar and Grill, CW Fudge, the Olde Fish House Marina Restaurant, Little Lilly’s Deli, El Pollo Rico, Pine Island Community Church, Winn-Dixie, Dollar General, Island Grill, Century 21, Pine Island Methodist Church, Capital Bank, Pine Island Elks Lodge, Saltwater Smokehouse, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church, Cap’n Cons Fish House, Lazy Flamingo. Fishers of Men Lutheran Church, St. James City Baptist Church, the Moose Lodge, the VFW, Ragged Ass Salon, Low Key Tiki and Woody’s.
“Every year the generosity of the people and businesses on the islands impress us,” Matlacha Hooker Madam DJ Ruscik said. “We started this summer fundraiser in 2004 following the aftermath of Hurricane Charlie and it has become a successful annual summer fundraiser on the island. The Matlacha Hookers are thrilled that our Pine Island Elementary teachers and students will have the supplies that they need this year. The Hookers’ goal of making a positive difference in our community again shines through with this project.”