200 Volunteers Keep Island Community Fed and Cared For

When seasonal residents leave Florida's Sanibel and Captiva islands each summer, most community services don't take a break. That's why FISH of Sanibel-Captiva is celebrating its 200+ volunteers who make sure neighbors never go without.

"Volunteers are truly at the heart of everything we do," says Mary Jean Hays, the organization's Volunteer & Office Coordinator. "It's not just the hours they give. It's the way they give them."

FISH volunteers run food pantries, drive seniors to appointments, host educational workshops, and organize community events throughout the year. During the recent Easter holiday program, volunteers packed and distributed meals to families across both islands.

But April brings a familiar challenge. As National Volunteer Month recognizes their contributions, many seasonal volunteers are packing up to head north for summer. The island's year-round residents who need help don't disappear with them.

The organization relies on a small dedicated core group to bridge the summer gap. Right now, they need just one or two people to help with monthly Friendly Faces luncheons, which bring isolated seniors together for meals and conversation.

The commitment is modest: one Tuesday per month from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Community House on Sanibel. Volunteers help serve meals, set up tables, and create a warm atmosphere where attendees feel seen and valued.

Because the role involves food service, FISH covers the cost of ServSafe Food Handler certification for new volunteers. The three-year certification ensures everyone stays safe while breaking bread together.

The Ripple Effect

When volunteers show up month after month, they do more than serve lunch. They create consistency for seniors who might otherwise spend days without meaningful human contact. That reliability builds trust and community in ways that extend far beyond a single meal.

The second Tuesday gathering has become a lifeline for many attendees. Some mark their calendars weeks in advance, planning outfits and preparing stories to share with friends they've made at previous luncheons.

For volunteers interested in other opportunities, FISH offers roles in transportation services, pantry stocking, and seasonal programs. Each position lets people contribute based on their schedule and strengths.

Anyone interested can reach Hays at maryjean@fishofsancap.org or 239-472-4775, or Senior Services Director Erika Arnowitz at erika@fishofsancap.org.

The smallest gift often turns out to be the most meaningful: showing up when someone needs you.