Helping Those in Community: FISH
by Katrina Landon
As the new church-year begins, it is once again time for us to reflect on how we can better serve our surrounding community. For years, I’ve heard about FISH, and seen the red FISH wagon sitting on the sidelines of our Gathering Hall. This morning I went by their headquarters on Second Street to introduce myself, find out about what they offer, and inquire as to how we as WUU members can help them serve our neighbors in need.
FISH is about to celebrate its 50th year of operation. Our own Dave Banks serves on their Board of Directors and is helping them to plan this important anniversary. FISH is an entirely volunteer led organization depending heavily on food, clothing, cash, and small appliance donations from the surrounding community. Olive Garden donates frozen pasta sauce; WAWA donates breakfast biscuits and sandwiches; Trader Joe’s: frozen items and gluten free products; local grocery stores: bread, desserts, snacks; and even local farms will donate produce from time to time. Crockpots with liners (both old, if clean, and new ones) are donated to those who are living in hotels so that they can prepare meals. On any given day they serve from 1 - 30 households consisting of at least one person up to 13. Those needing food may visit once a month and receive enough supplies to last a week for each family member. Those needing clothing may select items they need once every 120 days, and small appliances such as crockpots and toasters may be selected once a year. It is very easy for a family to drop by and request food. FISH provides a “Client Preference” sheet on which they can check off those food and personal items they would like to pick up. One only provides a name, the last 4 digits of their Social Security number, and size of family.
The following items are always in need. Can you remind yourself to bring in any of these requested items at least once a month and leave in the wagon? Put it on your calendar!
Canned tuna, Treet, Dinty Moore stew
Peanut butter, jelly, crackers
Canned tomato products
Baby and adult diapers
Dishwashing liquid
Toilet paper/toothpaste/bar soap
Feminine hygiene products
Crockpots (if old, clean), toasters
Canned fruits, vegetables, soups
Boxed macaroni and cheese
Pasta sauce
Dried spaghetti noodles/rice
Instant potatoes
Canned pasta
Cereal (hot and cold)
Baking mix/pancake mix
If you would like to volunteer, or donate money, please feel free to contact me: klandon1956@gmail.com. Food insecurity is growing by leaps and bounds, and it is up to us to look out for our neighbors. Please look for the FISH red wagon, often in the Gathering Hall, and leave your donated items, and we will get them to the FISH headquarters on Second Street. We have big hearts at the WUU; let us show our love to those within our community who are in need. For more information on FISH please visit their website: https://fishwilliamsburg.org/