FISH kicks off annual drive for school supplies
FISH of Sanibel-Captiva is holding its Back to School Supply Drive for the 2026-27 school year.
From now through July 24, donations of backpacks, notebooks, pencils, headphones, calculators, folders and other essentials can be dropped off at the following participating locations:
– A Little Adventure, at 2001 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
– Adventures in Paradise Outfitters, at 2019 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
– Bank of the Islands, at 1699 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
– FISH office, at 2422 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
– Jerry’s Foods, at 1700 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
– SanCap Pak-N-Ship, at 2422 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel
– Sanibel Public Library, at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel
– The Magic Bus Ice Cream & Caffeine, at 362 Periwinkle Way, Unit 4, Sanibel
In 2025, FISH helped prepare more than 300 students for the school year.
“Every child deserves to start the school year with the tools they need to succeed. When families are already balancing rising costs for housing, groceries, transportation and other necessities, school supplies can create an added financial burden,” Food Programs Manager Merari Puente said. “This distribution helps ease that pressure while giving students a strong start to the school year.”
Also, FISH is expanding its Back to School program this year into an interactive community event that will combine supply distribution, youth hurricane preparedness activities and resources for families. The Back to School Distribution and Youth Storm Readiness Event will be held on July 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, at 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
Families will have an opportunity to learn more about FISH’s Youth Meal Backpack Program, with information about enrollment and eligibility available. Project Dentist will distribute dental care supplies and share age-appropriate education about the importance of healthy dental habits. Provided through FISH’s partnership with the United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades, school-appropriate clothing will be available. The Sanibel Fire and Rescue District will have a truck on display from 9 to 11 a.m. Additional partners may include the Lee County Sheriff’s Office’s ice cream truck and others.
Children are strongly encouraged to attend and take part in hands-on activities designed to make hurricane preparedness easy to understand, including the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors. They can complete a storm readiness scavenger hunt to gather items for a basic emergency kit, create a community paper chain, receive a youth hurricane preparedness activity booklet, earn an official “Storm Helper” badge, and participate in games and activities focused on safety and preparedness.
“We wanted to create something that goes beyond handing out supplies. This event brings together education, preparedness and community in a way that’s fun for children and useful for parents,” Community Outreach & Resiliency Director Simon Robson said. “We hope families leave with what they need for the classroom, greater confidence heading into hurricane season and the reassurance that FISH is here to support them throughout the year.”
Many of its youth programs, including Back to School, are made possible through the support of grant funders and community partners. FISH extended its gratitude to the Captiva Chapel by the Sea, Lee County Bar Association, Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club, Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club, Suncoast Credit Union, donors and business supporters.
“Thanks to the generosity of our community, children can receive the supplies they need to walk into the classroom feeling confident, supported and ready to learn,” Puente said.
Families who live or work on Sanibel or Captiva with children in pre-K through 12th grade are encouraged to register and attend. To register or for more information, contact Puente at merari@fishofsancap.org or 239-472-4775.