provided to The Santiva Chronicle
Lee County students will begin a new school year on Aug. 11, and FISH of SANCAP is helping families who live or work on Sanibel or Captiva with essential school supplies, clothing, backpacks, and more.
“Back-to-school shopping has become one of the most expensive times of year for families — second only to the holidays,” said FISH Executive Director Maria Espinoza.
“Many of the people we serve are already facing difficult choices between paying for rent or food, prescriptions or car repairs,” said Espinoza. “School supplies only add to the stress.”
A 2023 Deloitte survey found that the cost of school supplies has risen by nearly 24 percent over the past two years, and families are now more focused on essentials than extras. Research indicates that well-prepared students are more likely to participate in school activities and achieve success throughout the year.
“Having the supplies we needed made such a big difference for my kids,” said one parent who received assistance from FISH last year. “They walked into school excited instead of embarrassed — and I could breathe a little easier knowing they had what they needed.”
FISH supported 312 students last year and anticipates an increase in demand this year. School supplies for kindergarten to 12th grade are being collected from June 16 to July 31 at the following drop-off locations:
- FISH Office, 2422 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Sanibel Public Library, 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel
- Chocolattes, 16120 San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers
- Jerry’s – 1700 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
- Sanibel Captiva Community Bank – All branches
- Adventures in Paradise Outfitters to the Outsiders – 2019 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
- Macintosh Books + Paper – 1620 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
- Sanibel Captiva Trust Company – 13525 Bell Tower Dr., Fort Myers
- Sanibel Community Church – 1740 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
- Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors – 2353 Periwinkle Way, #201
FISH also accepts monetary donations to help purchase supplies and provide essentials such as socks, undergarments, clothing gift cards, and specialized items like scientific calculators and uniforms. Donations help ensure every student gets what they need.
The distribution of supplies will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on August 5-8 in the Parish Hall at St. Michael and All Angels Church, 2304 Periwinkle Way.
Volunteers are needed to help organize and distribute items — and FISH is grateful to the many individuals and businesses who make the program possible.
“So many supporters step up each year,” said Espinoza. “From generous donors to the volunteers who sort supplies and pack backpacks—this is truly a community effort.”
Leave a Comment