Friends In Sonoma Helping, FISH, will distribute holiday food boxes to about 400 families tomorrow, just as it’s done for the last 43 years. In a system that’s been fine-tuned to near perfection, pre-registered clients now drive up to the auditorium doors at Hanna Boys Center, and volunteers put the donated nutrition straight into the trunk of their cars.
The giveaway of goodness goes on from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and those in need who’ve not signed up in advance can come by for a box after 2 p.m. and feel the love that’s shared in the Valley of the Moon.
FISH volunteers hold their first meeting to get ready for this giveaway six months in advance, bringing true meaning Christmas in July. This year, the co-chairs, Sandy Drew and Bette Holloway, were in charge for the first time and have enjoyed the experience, saying it was easier than they thought it would be because of all the passed-on knowledge from previous volunteers, including a step-by-step spreadsheet put together by board member Sandy Piotter.
“It’s our first year and we’ve relied on the expertise of the loyal and savvy volunteers who’ve done the drive for years,” Drew said.
This is also the last weekend for the FISH bell-ringing fundraiser, with volunteers collecting cash donations outside local supermarkets. This is the only FISH fundraiser every year, and raises about $25,000.
Food for the holiday distribution comes from the Boy Scouts mailbox food drive, the Sonoma Raceway food drive and from food collection barrels spread throughout the community, including at the schools. Volunteer Hunt Sharp was part of the crew that helped move five tons of canned and dry-food goods from a volunteer’s garage where it is stored to the Hanna auditorium last Wednesday.
Volunteers work all day Thursday and Friday making up the boxes which, in addition to nonperishables, include fresh fruits and vegetables and a dozen eggs. There is a gift card for $15 to redeem at Lucky Supermarket for an entrée of choice, and a dessert, usually cake mix and frosting.
After years of having to store and lift heavy frozen turkeys, this year the FISH crew decided providing the money for a main dish was a better way to go. That way, those on the receiving end can choose what they prefer, with pork and hominy for pozole being a favored holiday fare in the Latino culture.
Even the boxes themselves involve work and planning – a duty taken on by Sharp and his wife Carol. Long ago it was decided that apple bushel boxes are the best, as they hold a good amount and have handles. The Sharps start making the rounds at local super markets and the Fruit Basket in September, asking for boxes. “We sweet talk the produce managers,” Sharp said. “If we get four, that’s a good day, because it’s 1 percent of what we need for the season.”
It takes four months of this friendly begging, until finally their garage is filled with 400 boxes, which they take to Hanna when the time arrives. They also reinforce each box with packing tape so it holds up. This used to be done as part of the packing procedures, but now Sharp tapes up each box as it comes in, making one less chore at crunch time.
“It’s nice for everyone to receive the same size box,” Sharp said.
On Saturday there will also be a small toy distribution at FISH Central.
FISH provides food, clothing, rides to medical appointments and emergency rental assistance to those facing hard times throughout the year. As the population of the Valley has grown, so has the need. In 1983, for example, only 250 holiday food boxes were distributed.
“We will always do as much work as the community will support,” Piotter said, pointing out that it is an entirely volunteer run organization with no paid staff. “All the donations get to the people the donors want to help.”
If you miss the bell ringers, donations can be made on the FISH website or mailed to P.O. Box 507, Sonoma, CA 95476.
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