FISH seeks volunteer drivers, dispatchers

Information meeting set for July 15|

FISH, Friends In Sonoma Helping, one of Sonoma’s oldest nonprofits is in need of volunteers.

Due to a number of summer vacations and unexpected illnesses, FISH is in need of drivers, dispatchers and food room workers. An orientation for volunteers will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 15, at FISH Central, 18330 Sonoma Highway with entry to the parking lot on Sierra Drive.

Each month FISH provides 200 private car rides to medical appointments. Ninety percent of these rides are to doctors and facilities that are out of town. Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Napa and San Rafael are common destinations. Interested drivers must be over 25-years-old, have insurance, a clean driving record with the DMV and their car must be in safe working order. FISH drivers share how much satisfaction they receive from volunteering – providing a ride seems to “make their day”.

FISH dispatchers answer the phone from their home from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. one day a month. Calls are logged for food, rides, rental assistance and other problem-0solving. Dispatchers tend to have strong people skills, good problem-solving skills and can hear well over the phone. Dispatchers work one or two days a month, depending on their preference. Computer skills make the job easier but, at this point, computer literacy is not required.

There are also multiple opportunities to assist in the food room. Individuals are needed to pick up surplus food from the local stores once a week and bring it to FISH Central. Food packers are needed to pre-package bags of food from nonperishable items in the food room. Dispensers are needed to pack the perishable items and prepare for the 1:30 p.m. daily food distribution. Dispensers work one or two days a month, packers generally take one week a month and those picking up from the stores work one day a week.

For more information about becoming a FISH volunteer, contact Sandy at SonomaFISH@gmail.com or call 996-0111 and leave your contact information.

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