Local Kiwanis Club Makes $1000 Donation to FISH Organization

Submitted by Assoc. Editor on

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Pine Island was honored to have Dianne and Kent from FISH as their guest speakers and to present Dianna Higgins with a check for $1000.00.   

Andre’ Mule’ president of the Kiwanis said “They gave us a ton of great information about (Andre' Mule' and Dianne Higginstheir organization.  Did you know that FISH doesn’t do any active fundraising? Yet they gave out over $35,000.00 in special needs to island residents last year.”  Ms. Higgins said “there were two different months over the summer where FISH spent over $5,000.”

They exist from the help of other non-profit organization who make donations and by community donations.

Higgins said “FISH was started 24 years ago with 2 lady’s and a $50 donation from the Kiwanis Club.”  Next year will be FISH’s 25thAnniversary.

Services offered by FISH over the years

• Non-emergency transportation: to medical facilities, grocery store, pharmacy, and banks etc. to individuals with no other access to transpiration
• Mobility Equipment to lend: Wheelchairs, walkers, etc.
• Special Needs: emergency assistance for rent, utilities, medical, etc.
• Respite: Relief to non-paid, primary caregivers for approximately 4 hours, once a week.
• In-Touch: Contact with homebound individuals either by phone or home visits.
• Lead Agency in the Pine Island “Basket Brigade” Program

 PINE ISLAND FISH, INC. 2010 ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

• Answered and assisted a total of 1476 calls
• Food Certificate and East Baskets to 48 households with 66 children (assisted by the Matlacha Hookers and Red Hat Society
• New school clothes for 174 children
• New toys for 75 families with 198 children at Christmas
• Christmas Baskets 40 seniors/singles/couples (assisted by the Food Pantry and Matlacha Hookers)
• Rent assistance for 43 clients
• Utility bill assistance for 82 clients
• Prescription/other necessary bills assistance for 49 clients
• Loaned residents in need over 250 pieces of mobility equipment
• Matched donors with clients for specialized equipment such as hospital beds and scooters
• Fish’s volunteers logged may hours providing non-emergency transportation for island residents for doctors’ visits and essential shipping/errands.

If you are interested in volunteering or making a donation please contact Diane dianneh23@yahoo.com.  You can go to www.pineislandfish.orgto see upcoming events.