provided to The Santiva Chronicle
Lee County’s children will return to school in early August, and parents are concerned the cost of school supplies and essential clothing will continue to increase.
Studies show that having the right school supplies can help children feel more prepared and less anxious when returning to school. They also feel more confident in their ability to function in the classroom.
FISH OF SANCAP provides back-to-school supplies and clothing essentials to Lee County families connected to the islands through residence or employment.
“Those we serve are already making impossible choices between rent vs. utilities, food vs. medicine, car repairs vs. health insurance,” said FISH Disaster Administrative Director Manuela Martinez.
“The cost of basic household essentials keeps rising, and families prioritize where they spend, and what they spend on, as it relates to back-to-school supplies and clothing,” said Martinez.
According to a 2023 survey by Deloitte, “Back-to-school is typically the second largest spending event for families after the holiday season. With prices of school supplies increasing 23.7 percent in the past two years, shoppers’ need for a bargain is even more evident.”
The Deloitte survey notes that parents across all income groups plan to spend less and focus on replenishing the necessities, such as school supplies, while holding off on nonessential purchases like tech and apparel.
“I just can’t afford it all,” notes the parent of a Sanibel school middle-school student. “My food, energy, and transportation costs have skyrocketed. That, combined with everything we lost from Ian, makes it nearly impossible to cover everything on the school supply list and clothing.”
FISH helps families in need with the necessary items to begin the new school year. For kindergarten through 12th grade, FISH needs paper, glue sticks, pens, pencils, rulers, notebooks, etc.
Now through July 22, community members wishing to donate items can drop off basic school supplies during regular business hours at:
• Sanibel Public Library, 770 Dunlop
• Bank of the Islands, 1699 Periwinkle
• Sanibel & Captiva Islands Association of Realtors, 2353 Periwinkle, #201.
Items may also be dropped off at FISH, 2422 Periwinkle Way, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. through July 31. FISH also accepts monetary donations to ensure enough supplies are available on distribution day.
FISH will also provide socks, undergarments, and gift cards for clothing and backpack purchases to qualifying households.
In 2023, FISH assisted 217 students with school essential items, and the organization expects an increase in requests this year.
“With cost-of-living increases and lingering hurricane recovery expenses, our neighbors are struggling to make ends meet,” said Martinez.
FISH notes that most people seeking assistance claim reduced work hours or loss of employment, unexpected financial hardship, and the inability to ‘catch up’ due to Hurricane Ian as the top reasons for financial struggle.
Distribution to households that live or work on the islands and with children in kindergarten to 12th grade will occur from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. August 5-7 at Saint Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, 2304 Periwinkle, Sanibel.
Additional financial assistance for specialized equipment, scientific calculators, SAT prep books, instruments, clothing, school uniforms, etc., may be available to those showing a financial need. Please contact FISH for additional information at 239-472-4775.
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