F.I.S.H. (Friends In Sonoma Helping)
St. Andrew has long been a supporter of the local Sonoma Valley F.I.S.H. program and is a special project of the Deacons. Numerous members of the congregation provide direct help to the F.I.S.H. program which maintains a food bank, and helps those in need with assistance in obtaining needed clothing, food, and shelter, and referrals to information and support services and rides. The Deacons designate one Sunday each month as F.I.S.H. Sunday to encourage donations of money, food and clothing items which are then given directly to the F.I.S.H. program. Last year Valley friends and neighbors contributed well over $100,000 to purchase a warehouse/meeting center in Sonoma to house the expanding FISH program and greatly expand its storage facilities.
Nutritious groceries distributed at the F.I.S.H. food room
- F.I.S.H is a caring bridge for the increasing number of Sonoma Valley neighbors that need help.
- F.I.S.H. is a group of 160+ volunteers who are happy to serve all who are in need.
- F.I.S.H offers immediate emergency assistance keeping families from becoming homeless or going hungry.
- F.I.S.H service to Sonoma Valley in 2010 included giving:
1,985 households a three-day supply of groceries
2,941 car rides to medical appointments
287 families emergency rental/utility assistance
446 families Christmas food baskets
78 home-bound clients received monthly grocery food deliveries
144 new mothers received layette sets for their newborns
140 clients per week received clothing at the FISH Clothes Closet
12,082 clients received food at FISH’s First Wednesday surplus food giveaway
2011 F.I.S.H. SCHEDULE
| February 20 March 20 April 17 May 22 June 19 July 17 August 21 September 18 October 16 November 20 December 11 |
Food Clothing Financial Food Clothing Financial Food Clothing Financial Food Financial |