provided to The Santiva Chronicle
Bank of the Islands is hosting a toy drive to benefit families served by FISH of SANCAP from Monday, Dec. 11 to Friday, Dec. 15. Unwrapped, unopened toy donations for ages 0-18 will be accepted at 1699 Periwinkle Way, during the bank’s regular operating hours.
“We look forward to showing support for FISH and the kids here on the Island this Holiday Season,” says David Lowden, Bank of the Islands, V.P. Private Client Relations. “FISH has been doing great work here on the Islands for years, but since Hurricane Ian their role has expanded. We are glad we are able to help out and be a part of the Holiday Spirit with our friends at FISH.”
Lowden notes FISH has further evolved as a central piece of the island community, and can be seen every Friday morning at the Sanibel Community House weekly Rotary meetings. Maria Espinoza, Executive Director; Manuela Martinez, Disaster Administrative Director and Emery Lowden, Social Media & Resource Manager have all been a big part of the island service gatherings.
For families served by FISH, under-employment and lost income from the hurricane disaster is the main reason their struggles continue. By providing toys for children, neighbors can breathe a little easier knowing that their children will receive a gift or two this holiday season.
“As a FISH board member, I’m privileged to see firsthand what a terrific job they do in supporting island families year-round,” said Bank of the Islands V.P. Greg Blurton. “Our bank is honored to give Santa a helping hand on Sanibel and Captiva, and hope our customers and neighbors can join in that holiday spirit.”
Other FISH holiday programs include ‘Sponsor a Senior’, specifically for the islands’ senior population, designed to bring merriment and cheer to island elders and Holiday Meal Baskets to island residents and workforce in need of a holiday meal.
If you or a family you know is in need of some holiday cheer, contact Merari at FISH at 239-472-4775 or merari@fishofsancap.org.
To learn more about FISH, visit their website and social media pages to see firsthand how the agency works to better the community and particularly their response to the Ian disaster. To learn more about hurricane recovery and other services of FISH, contact Maria Espinoza, Executive Director, at (239) 472-4775.