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How FISH helped Sonoma Valley in 2012

Editor, Index-Tribune:

    

  The FISH annual report has been completed and is ready to share with the community.

  The 2012 accomplishments of FISH are a direct result of the support from individuals, businesses, organizations and foundations within Sonoma Valley. The 2012 FISH statistics reflect the trajectory of our state’s economy, with some small reduction in the number of requests for assistance but, overall, a high demand for our services.

  Last year, 1,997 households received a three-day supply of food, compared with 1,985 households in 2011. The 2012 Christmas Basket Project provided 470 families with food, while in 2011 there were 333 families served. The Christmas baskets are the most dramatic of all our statistics.

  FISH drivers provided 2,395 car rides to medical appointments, with 23 people needing multiple rides out of town, often each week. Two-hundred round trip bus tickets were provided for medical and/or social service appointments.

  FISH provided rental assistance to 197 families, and 55 families received help with utilities. Both of these figures are down slightly from last year.

  The First Wednesday Federal Food Giveaway provided groceries for 1,966 families. FISH made 864 grocery deliveries to the homebound, mostly seniors, last year. Each week, 150 families received clothing from the Clothes Closet and layettes were provided to the valley’s newest residents.

  FISH wants to thank the community for its support. More than $26,000 was raised through the December Bell Ringing Campaign. This, along with the outpouring of financial donations in December, provides the resources for FISH to continue its work into the New Year.

  Sandy Piotter

  Sonoma