According to a 2023 Deloitte survey, school supply costs have risen 23.7% in the past two years, and families are more focused than ever on essentials rather than extras¹. The National Retail Federation also reported that back-to-school spending hit a record $41.5 billion in 2023, up significantly from the year before².
Being prepared for the classroom doesn’t just help kids stay organized—it actually supports better attendance, confidence, and academic performance. Research shows that students who show up with the necessary tools are more likely to participate in school and succeed 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.” In 2024, FISH supported 312 students, and demand is expected to rise again this year.
This year, the organization is collecting school supplies for grades K-12 beginning June 16 through July 31 at the following community drop-off locations:
FISH Office – 2422 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel (10AM–3PM)
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 socks, undergarments, gift cards for clothing, and specialized items like scientific calculators and uniforms. Donations help ensure every student gets what they need.
The distribution of supplies will take place August 5–8 from 10AM–3PM at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in the Parish Hall, 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957. 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.”
For more information or to sign up for assistance or volunteer, please contact Merari Salinas at
bWVyYXJpIHwgZmlzaG9mc2FuY2FwICEgb3Jn or call 239-472-4775. To learn more about the programs of FISH or to support their mission, please contact Maria Espinoza, Executive Director.
You may also like the following events from FISH of Sanibel-Captiva, Inc.:
- Next month, 4th August, 10:00 am, Volunteer Opportunity: Back to School in Sanibel
- This November, 1st November, 07:00 am, JOG N JAM 10K, 5K, and Kids Fun Run in Sanibel
- This December, 6th December, 05:30 pm, JOG N JAM Concert on the Beach Ft. Ben Allen Band in Captiva
Also check out other
Kids events & activities in Sanibel,
Nonprofit events in Sanibel.
