FISH to give away food baskets Dec. 20

On Saturday, Dec. 20, FISH (Friends in Sonoma Helping) will distribute more than 400 holiday food baskets to needy families and individuals in Sonoma Valley.

“With a week to go, we are halfway to the quantity of non-perishable food we require,” said food drive co-chairs Bette Holloway and Sandy Drew. “We hope people will notice our donation barrels as they do their holiday shopping and give as generously as possible. Every donor, community partner and volunteer is a Friend In Sonoma Helping.”

Many community partners display FISH donation barrels making it easy for neighbors to find a convenient location to drop in canned and dry goods. Look for FISH barrels at most Sonoma Valley public schools as well as Broadway, Lucky, Sonoma and Glen Ellen markets, several banks, and many other local businesses.

The goal is to provide a happy and healthy holiday by filling the food boxes with enough groceries to feed a family for three-to-four days. Particularly helpful are staples such as rice, dried beans, canned corn, tomatoes, soup and fruit.

In addition to the food donated by the community, FISH bell ringers collect money to purchase fresh produce, eggs and a gift certificate to redeem for a main course at a local market. You will find the bell ringers on weekends at Safeway, CVS, Lucky, Sonoma and Glen Ellen markets. Anyone who is able to donate and needs further information, contact FISH at 996-0111.

Families in need can still register for a food basket from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. today, Friday, Dec. 12, at Craig Avenue Baptist Church, 18621 Railroad Ave.; or from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at La Luz, 17560 Greger St.