F.I.S.H. OF SANIBEL-CAPTIVA F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva's volunteers are the lifeblood of the organization.

F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva values its volunteers as the lifeblood of the organization.

It reported that over 200 volunteers assist with programs and services offered year-round — food pantry, hot meal delivery, food backpacks for children, equipment for loan, transportation and more — to serve island residents and workforce. They are full- and part-time residents, retired and working. Some volunteers help in one service area, others assist with several. Some can only give mornings or afternoons or certain days of the week, while others have more availability.

“Volunteers are the essence of our organization,” Executive Director Maria Espinoza said. “We couldn’t exist without the people who share their time and hearts with us and our community.”

F.I.S.H. noted that its volunteer pool also includes students from Florida Gulf Coast University, individuals from the United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties, church groups and others.

“Hurricane Ian definitely had an impact on the number of individuals able to volunteer,” she said. “While many volunteers have since returned, others have moved on and are severely missed.”

F.I.S.H. OF SANIBEL-CAPTIVA Sanibel resident Dave Scheiber has been volunteering for F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva for three years. Also known as the “Van Man,” he drives the van to pick up donations for the food pantry.

In 2023, volunteers recorded 10,603 hours of service on behalf of F.I.S.H. and the community. The value of a volunteer hour in Florida is $29.41 — equating to a savings of $311,834 for F.I.S.H. Additionally, volunteers drove nearly 24,000 miles during their 2023 service hours.

“Having volunteers assist with our programs and services not only helps us from a financial standpoint, but is important for ensuring that we can achieve our critical mission,” Espinoza said. “Our volunteers are highly valued for the advocacy and awareness they bring to our organization, their diverse and unique skill sets and expertise, and the positive contributions they make to our community. Their dedication to F.I.S.H. is more than a financial savings, it’s a priceless gift to our organization and community for which we are truly grateful.”

For more information about volunteering, visit https://www.fishofsancap.org/volunteers.

For more information about F.I.S.H., visit https://www.fishofsancap.org/.