F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva is holding its Back-to-School Supplies Drive for the 2024-25 year.

The new school year for Lee County begins on Aug. 12 and many families cannot afford essential items. F.I.S.H. helps families in need with school supplies and some clothing to begin the year.

“Those we serve are already making impossible choices between rent versus utilities, food versus medicine, car repairs versus health insurance,” Disaster Administrative Director Manuela Martinez said. “The cost of basic household essentials keeps rising, and families are prioritizing where they spend and what they spend on as it relates to back-to-school supplies and clothing.”

From now through July 22, the community can drop off basic supplies during normal business hours at the: Bank of the Islands, at 1699 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel; Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors, at 2353 Periwinkle Way, Suite 201; and Sanibel Public Library, at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.

Through July 31, items may also be dropped off from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at F.I.S.H., at 2422 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. It is also accepting monetary donations to ensure that enough supplies are available.

Items like paper, glue sticks, pens, pencils, rulers and notebooks for grades K-12 are requested.

In addition, F.I.S.H. will provide socks, undergarments and gift cards for clothing and backpack purchases to qualifying households. For more information, contact Merari Salinas at 239-472-4775 or merari@fishofsancap.org.

The 2023 drive assisted 217 students, and F.I.S.H. expects an increase in requests this year. Most of those seeking assistance cited reduced work hours or loss of employment, as well as unexpected financial hardships and the inability to “catch up” from the hurricane as the top reasons for financial struggle.

“With cost-of-living increases and lingering hurricane recovery expenses, our neighbors are struggling to make ends meet,” Martinez said.

Distribution to households that live or work on the islands with children in grades K-12 will take place from Aug. 5-7 from at 11 a.m. 3 p.m. at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle, Sanibel.

Additional financial assistance for specialized equipment, scientific calculators, SAT prep books, instruments, clothing and school uniforms may be available to those showing a financial need. For more information, contact F.I.S.H. at 239-472-4775.