Twenty-two years of FISHing
Just 22 years ago last month, Pine Island FISH Inc. (Fellow Islanders Sending Help) was established as a 501.c.3 charitable organization. Don and Mary Ellen Beatty and I are the longest-serving active members of FISH, and we agree that it’s been a memorable experience as we’ve watched its growth in services and influence through the years since January 1987.
When the organization was established its primary purpose was to assist the elderly and disabled on Pine Island by providing transportation for medical appointments or shopping, to check in on those who might need a daily contact for assurance and to provide once-a-week respite for primary non-paid caregivers of disabled family members. Our first donation was from Kiwanis to install a phone line, then within a few weeks a fund-raiser was held which resulted in contributions of about $500. That was the entire FISH treasury in February 1987, but we were on our way!
Additional funds began to appear in our mailbox and as time progressed we were able to expand services to include the Basket Brigade, which provides assistance for Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets. Prior to the FISH Christmas Basket program, there were several churches and organizations which provided holiday assistance for families. This meant that some received several baskets while others were overlooked. Since 1991, there has been just one island-wide Christmas Basket Brigade, supported by our churches, organizations and a host of generous individuals.
In 2000 we added the Clothes for Kids program which ensures that children have new outfits for their first two days of school. We’ve also been able to assist deserving families or individuals with emergency funds for rent, utilities and medical prescriptions. Our storage unit at Pine Island Center has a supply of on-loan medical mobility equipment to include wheelchairs, walkers, bedside commodes and miscellaneous items.
As time went on and FISH was no longer involved in the needs of only the elderly or disabled, our articles of incorporation and bylaws were revised to indicate the expansion of the original “missions” and clients. We’re a completely volunteer organization and all activities are initiated from the homes of volunteers. There is no central office or paid staff. All funds come from Pine Island/Matlacha or, sometimes, from those who have connections with local residents, with no assistance from any government agency or United Way. Our only overhead is for rental of the medical equipment storage unit, telephone, office supplies and the yearly requirements from IRS and the State for registration and audits.
During 2008, FISH received 1,783 telephone calls through its voice mail system. As a result of those calls, the general fund furnished emergency financial assistance to 160 clients for rent, utilities, minor auto repair and prescription medications. The Basket Brigade fund (separate account) provided Easter baskets to 56 households; 101 food certificates for Thanksgiving; school clothes and shoes for 88 children, many of whom were “adopted” by families or organizations; and 136 Christmas baskets covering 92 families (205 children) and 44 individuals or couples. Additionally, we provided transportation for approximately 250 trips for medical appointments or shopping, and loaned more than 200 pieces of mobility equipment.
It is only through the support of fellow islanders that FISH can accomplish any of its services. The mobility equipment is mostly donated and the funds we expend are YOUR funds, donated and entrusted to us to allocate wisely and fairly.
If you’d like to know more about FISH, call us at 283-4442. Donations are gratefully accepted and may be mailed to P.O. Box 357, Matlacha, FL 33993.
Thank you, Pine Island/Matlacha for more than 22 years of enthusiastic support!