We are so thankful for our community, partners, volunteers and supporters! Here's how we provide our 'neighbors helping neighbors' assistance as we have for nearly 45 years.

November 2026 Edition

You're Invited to Gather for Annual Community Thanksgiving Celebration!

Thanksgiving is about sharing a meal, catching up with friends and spending time with the people who make a community feel like home. FISH of SanCap invites island residents, workers, families and friends to do just that at its annual Community Thanksgiving celebration on Tuesday, November 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Sanibel Community House. 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Reservations are encouraged to help FISH plan for food and seating. To RSVP, please visit this link.

The annual gathering brings neighbors together for a complimentary Thanksgiving meal prepared by Jerry's Foods of Sanibel. Whether attending with family, meeting friends or simply looking for a place to enjoy the holiday with others, everyone is welcome. Continue Reading

Thanksgiving Food Drive Helps Island Families Prepare for the Holiday

With Thanksgiving approaching, FISH of SanCap is asking the community to help put food on the tables of island neighbors who could use a little extra support this holiday season.

The organization's annual Thanksgiving Food Drive runs now through November 24. Donations may be dropped off at FISH, 2422 Periwinkle Way, or Bank of the Islands, 1699 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, throughout the collection period. Additional collection locations may be announced through FISH's social media channels.

Individuals and families interested in receiving a Thanksgiving food basket must complete a brief interest form at https://FISHholiday.rsvpify.com or https://fishholidaysp.rsvpify.com/ for the Spanish version. Assistance is available to eligible households with a connection to Sanibel or Captiva through residency or employment. Continue Reading

Senior Health Fair!

Peace, love and cereal! The FISH team got into the Halloween spirit, dressing up as hippies and having a little fun while spreading the word about the FISH Cereal Drive! Groovy costumes, plenty of laughs and a great cause to support our island neighbors!

Want to help? Pick up an extra box or two of cereal during your next grocery trip and donate to the FISH Food Pantry. Every box helps keep pantry shelves stocked for island families and individuals who need a little extra support.

Donations can be dropped off at FISH, 2422 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Thanks for helping us spread a little peace, love and kindness, one cereal box at a time!

Food Security Leads Community Priorities for FISH of SanCap Resiliency Hub

When FISH of SanCap asked what community needs it should prioritize over the next 10 to 20 years, one answer stood above the rest. Food security was selected by 83.1% of respondents to the organization's recent Resiliency Hub Community Survey, the highest response among all listed priorities. The finding reinforces the central role food assistance continues to play in FISH's work with island residents and members of the Sanibel and Captiva workforce. Continue Reading

Celebrating Five Official Nominees for 2026 ENPY Awards

We are proud to announce that five members of its leadership, staff and Board of Directors have been officially accepted as nominees for the 2026 ENPY Awards, recognizing their contributions to nonprofit leadership, volunteer service and the Sanibel-Captiva community. Our five nominees represent nearly every level of the organization, from executive leadership and program development to Board service and volunteer involvement. Each brings a different perspective and set

of experiences to FISH's mission of neighbors helping neighbors. Continue Reading

Conversation About Resiliency Hub Funding

As planning for the Resiliency Hub continues, community members requested details to better understand how the project is funded, what federal funding will cover and what additional support may be needed. The CDBG-DR award is reimbursement funding. FISH must follow federal and local requirements for eligible project expenses and documentation before approved costs are reimbursed. The funding is designated for eligible costs associated with the Resiliency Hub project and cannot simply be redirected to other FISH programs or operating expenses. Continue Reading

National Philanthropy Day with a Look at Giving, Community and the People Behind It

National Philanthropy Day falls on Sunday, Nov. 15, and we are getting an early start on the celebration by recognizing the people who give their time, talent and treasure to help their neighbors. National Philanthropy Day recognizes the role that charitable giving, volunteering and community involvement play in improving lives. For FISH, that spirit is part of its work throughout the year, supported by donors, volunteers, businesses, foundations, civic organizations and community partners. This year, FISH is also using National Philanthropy Day as an opportunity to introduce the community to Ashley Price, its Director of Philanthropic Giving. Price joined FISH in late 2026 and works with donors and community partners to connect their interests with the organization’s programs and services. Continue Reading

FISH of SanCap Helps Working Mother Secure Housing for Her Son

A working mother and her young son had spent approximately a week living in their vehicle when she reached out to FISH of SanCap. She had already found an affordable apartment and was working. What she lacked was enough money to cover the upfront costs required to move in.



Her employer offered to help with the security deposit through a payroll repayment arrangement, and with assistance supported in part by The Sanctuary Golf Club Foundation, FISH helped toward the family's initial rent, covering the first month and part of the second. Continue Reading

Neighbors in Readiness

“Care for Yourself and Your Neighbors”

As hurricane season winds down, it’s important to take a breath — and check in. Storm recovery and months of preparation can take a quiet toll on everyone’s well-being. Resilience isn’t just about supplies; it’s also about staying emotionally strong and supporting one another.

Quick Actions:

1. Check on neighbors. Especially older adults or those living alone — a friendly visit or quick call can make a big difference.
2. Talk about it. Storm stress, loss, and anxiety are normal. Sharing experiences helps us heal and prepare better next time.
3. Practice calm routines. Walking, reading, volunteering, or spending time in nature can help restore balance.
4. Know where to turn. FISH of SanCap offers support and referrals for counseling, financial assistance, and community connections.
5. Plan ahead for peace of mind. Write down what worked this season and what you’ll improve next year — small reflection, big resilience.

Island Insight | Recovery isn’t a straight line, but our community’s compassion is constant. When we take care of ourselves and each other, we make Sanibel and Captiva not just storm-ready — but truly resilient.

Kids Activity | Help kids learn about emergency preparedness while having a little fun! As part of FISH's Neighbors in Readiness series, this family-friendly activity introduces children to the importance of being prepared and knowing what to do when an emergency happens. It's a great way to start a conversation about safety at home. Click here to download the kids' activity.

THE FISH JOG N JAM Committee! For years, this amazing group of volunteers has been the backbone of our annual JOG N JAM! The time, energy, hard work, and dedication they put into making this event happen are incredible. From months of planning to countless details behind the scenes, they give so much of themselves to make JOG N JAM a success for FISH and our island community. To every committee member, THANK YOU! We appreciate you more than you know, and we couldn't do this without you! We're in the home stretch, and the excitement is building! LET'S JOG N JAM!!

Saturday, November 7, 2026 – The 10K, 5K, and Kids Fun Run return to the Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957. Register here.

Saturday, December 5, 2026 – The celebration continues at ‘Tween Waters Island Resort, 15951 Captiva Dr, Captiva, FL 33924, with the JOG N JAM beach concert, featuring the Ben Allen Band. Register here.

JOG N JAM Raffle Baskets are Back!

One of the most fun parts of JOG N JAM is back! Our raffle baskets are packed with great prizes, experiences, dining, entertainment and more, all thanks to the businesses and community partners who help make JOG N JAM possible.

Suggested donation: $10 for 1 ticket

Ready to take a chance?

• Find the FISH JOG N JAM team at the Sanibel Island Farmers Market every Sunday beginning Oct. 4 and watch for pop-up events throughout the island where tickets will be available.
• New this year - purchase online! Visit this link to view baskets, make your choices and enter!

JOG N JAM Runners Can Take Their Medals Around the Islands with “Show Your Medal

Crossing the finish line at FISH of SanCap’s JOG N JAM comes with a little something extra this year. FISH is bringing back its “Show Your Medal” campaign, with participating island businesses offering special perks to runners after the JOG N JAM 10K, 5K and kids run on Saturday, Nov. 7.

Runners can keep the JOG N JAM experience going after race day by bringing their medal to participating businesses to receive that business’s special offer. This year’s medal has a patriotic design commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, giving runners a special collector’s item to mark both the race and this historic year. Continue Reading

Important JOG N JAM Race Details!

We're so close to the 2026 FISH JOG N JAM Race, and we can't wait to see you at the starting line on Saturday, November 7! Whether you're running the 5K, taking on the 10K or bringing your little runners for the Kids Run, we're looking forward to a great morning of running, community and fun, all in support of FISH of SanCap! With race day right around the corner, we wanted to share a few details to help you plan. Continue Reading

Important Medicare Open Enrollment Presentation at the November FISH Friendly Faces luncheon will give participants an opportunity to learn more about their options and changes coming in 2027.

Camilita Aldridge, SHINE Program Manager at the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, will lead the presentation on Tuesday, Nov. 10, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Sanibel Community Church, 1740 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. RSVPs are accepted here.

Aldridge will discuss Medicare options, ways beneficiaries may be able to save on Part D prescription drug costs and important changes taking effect in 2027. The timing gives participants an opportunity to ask questions and gather information before Medicare Open Enrollment ends Dec. 7.

Tell Your Holiday Story | The holidays have a way of bringing back memories of family traditions and meals, festive gatherings, friendly competition, plenty of laughs and the people who made the season special. Some stories have been told for years, while others may have been tucked away for a while.

FISH of SanCap is inviting the community to bring those memories to “Tell Your Holiday Story,” a relaxed, interactive storytelling workshop on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at St. Michael’s Church, 2304 Periwinkle Way on Sanibel. Light refreshments and coffee will be provided. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP here https://tellyourholidaystory.rsvpify.com. 

Recognizing First Responders and Year-Round Community Partnerships

National First Responders Day on Oct. 28 gave us an opportunity to thank the first responders who serve Sanibel and Captiva and work with FISH throughout the year.

FISH’s relationship with local first responders is built through year-round collaboration. The organization works with local fire and law enforcement agencies through community events, resiliency and preparedness efforts, educational programs and individual client situations where coordination can help connect a neighbor with the right support. Continue Reading

• Nov. 4 | FISH Senior Health Fair
• Nov. 7 | FISH JOG N JAM 10K/5K/Kids Run
• Nov. 9 | AngelFISH Society Annual Luncheon
• Nov. 9 | FISH CLOSED for Admin. Day
• Nov. 10 | Friendly Faces Luncheon

• Nov. 12 | Tell Your Holiday Story
• Nov. 24 | Community Thanksgiving at the Community House
• Nov. 25-27 | FISH closes at noon on Nov. 25 thru 27 for Thanksgiving
• Nov. 27 | J. McLaughlin Captiva Sip 'n Shop

• Dec. 5 | FISH JOG N JAM concert with the Ben Allen Band
• Dec. 8 | Friendly Faces Luncheon
• Dec. 9 | Holiday Crafts & Cheer With Seniors
• Dec. 12 | J. McLaughlin Sanibel Sip 'n Shop
• Dec. 24 thru 25 | FISH closes at noon on Dec. 24 thru 25 for Christmas
• Dec. 31 | FISH closes at noon for New Year's Eve

FISH In The Community 

The SanCap Kiwanis Grant Committee has awarded FISH OF SANCAP a grant to support their Backpack Program.

Food insecurity continues to impact children and working families across our community. Through FISH’s Backpack Program, approximately 200 children each month receive backpacks filled with nutritious, easy to prepare food for weekends, school holidays, and extended school breaks when access to school based meals is limited.

For many families, these backpacks help close a difficult gap during times when household budgets are already stretched thin.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SMS (Text) Communications Now Available | Sign up to receive timely, relevant updates. Opt In to Text Messaging from FISH.

Stay Connected with FISH | News, Stories & More | Visit our blog and website for the latest updates, inspiring stories, upcoming events, and more.

Interested in Volunteering or Hosting a Day of Service? | Whether you’re an individual, a business, or a group looking to give back, it’s easy to connect with FISH. Contact MJ, our Office and Volunteer Manager, at mj@fishofsancap.org

Great Nonprofit Review Request | You have an opportunity to help us make even more of a difference in our community. Please leave us a review. To get started, go to https://greatnonprofits.org/org/f-i-s-h-of-sanibel-captiva-inc 

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS, PARTNERS, COMMUNITY MEMBERS

F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva

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