F.I.S.H. to provide holiday meal baskets
Thanksgiving may look and feel a bit different for the second consecutive year due to the COVID-19 crisis. Many continue to follow cautionary measures on group gatherings and are limiting travel.
The impacts on islanders’ livelihoods due to the ongoing pandemic brings increased financial and emotional strain as the holiday season approaches. F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva hopes to ease that strain by providing Thanksgiving food baskets to island residents, workers and seniors.
“The pleasure we get by providing this service, along with the gratefulness we receive from basket recipients, is heartwarming,” Assistant Executive Director Maria Espinoza said. “The traditional holiday dinner brings a sense of normalcy to what has been a very abnormal 18-plus months.”
F.I.S.H. will distribute bags of stuffing, rolls, fresh and canned vegetables, pies and a gift card to purchase a turkey or other holiday protein for the holiday. Bailey’s General Store has donated the bags, and F.I.S.H. is accepting food donations from now through Nov. 17 at the Walk-In Center, at 2430 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
“For many that receive a basket, particularly our senior population, the realization that there’s a group of people in the community that care about them is almost secondary to the food we provide,” she said. “It breaks my heart to learn that some of our older neighbors will once again be alone for the holiday with no celebratory meal. With support and donations from the community, F.I.S.H. can help make Thanksgiving Day more festive for many that we serve.”
Last year, F.I.S.H. provided meals for 634 island neighbors by providing food baskets, gift cards and prepared meals. F.I.S.H. volunteers delivered the meals by vehicle and bike and on foot.
“We are pleased that we can provide this program to those needing a hand up during the holidays,” Espinoza said. “With such uncertainty in the air, it warms my heart to know that we can help.”
F.I.S.H. will collaborate again with the Saint Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church Women, who have donated pies for each basket for years.
If you know someone in need of a Thanksgiving basket, contact F.I.S.H. at 239-472-4775.