Bergstrom gives back to F.I.S.H. with donation for Thanksgiving program
Chuck Bergstrom considers himself a very lucky man. Lucky that his is fortunate enough to live in a community like Sanibel, and lucky enough to be able to give back to others who may be struggling.
Bergstrom, an island resident for the past 10 years, has stepped up again to offer his generous financial support that will enable F.I.S.H. (Friends In Service Here) of Sanibel to buy the ingredients for this year’s Thanksgiving Holiday Baskets program for families and individuals in need on Sanibel and Captiva.
“I realize that I’m very lucky to live here, and I try to do what I can to help support the island’s service organizations,” Bergstrom said modestly. “I really admire the work that F.I.S.H. does.”
Bergstrom, who has been a generous supporter of F.I.S.H. for many years, will officially make the donation next week to Christine Swiersz, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who is coordinating the Thanksgiving Holiday Baskets program on behalf of F.I.S.H.
“We are most grateful to Chuck Bergstrom for stepping up and helping us in this way,” said Swiersz. “His generous donation will pay for all the food items that will go into our Thanksgiving baskets this year. F.I.S.H. is expecting to prepare more than 30 baskets this year for families and individuals in need on our islands. Chuck is a true neighbor helping neighbors.”
The final amount of Bergstrom’s donation has yet to be determined.
The longtime local Realtor, who prefers to keep a low profile, has been a visitor to Sanibel since the 1970s and was long aware of the work and services offered by F.I.S.H. Prior to moving here from Chicago, Ill., he supported many charities and community-focused organizations.
“In the past few years, I moved my support to the islands,” he added. “People are going through some tough economic times. There’s a real need out there.”
F.I.S.H. of Sanibel, Inc. is a non-profit volunteer organization assisting Sanibel and Captiva islanders and visitors with a wide range of services. For nearly 30 years, they have been a “neighbor helping neighbors” organization, offering free services such as transportation for medical appointments, meal delivery, health equipment, food pantry and emergency financial assistance.
If you would like to contribute to the F.I.S.H. Food Pantry, either by donating food items or by making a monetary donation, call F.I.S.H. at 472-4775 or stop by the Walk-In Center, located at 1630-B Periwinkle Way on Sanibel.