ISL AND HOME islander F.I.S.H. hosting annual drive for school supplies

F I S H of Sanibel-Captiva is h o l d i n g i t s B a c k - t o - S c h o o l Supplies Drive for the 2023-24 year

The new school year for Lee County begins on Aug 10 and many families cannot afford essential items F I S H helps families in need with school supplies and some clothing to begin their new school year

“Many are reporting they lost school supplies during (Hurricane) Ian and had to replace and replenish to finish out the 2023 year,” Executive Director Maria Espinoza said “Now households need to purchase supplies again, some for the third time this year, and are struggling to afford essential items ”

From now through July 31, the community can drop off supplies between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Walk-In Center or at the Sanibel Public Library, at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel, during operating hours

Items like paper, glue sticks, pens, pencils, rulers and notebooks for grades K-12 are requested

Many uses for fruit from a papaya tree

Spring is the time for the luscious fruit of the papaya tree (Carica papaya) It is an exotic fruiting specimen that grows best in USDA Zones 9 and 10 N a t i v e t o C e n t r a l A m e r i c a , t h e t r o p i c a l plant thrives in the subt r o p i c a l a r e a s o f t h e Caribbean and throughout South Florida The p l a n t b e l o n g s t o t h e C a r i c a c a e f a m i l y t h a t i n c l u d e s 2 7 t o 3 0 species The papaya can reach up to 30 feet in height and is characterized by palmate leaves that are deeply lobed

In the 16th and 17th centuries, papaya became very popular with Spanish and Portuguese explorers and they quickly began transporting seeds throughout the Caribbean and Pacific Islands, and all the way to Southeast Asia in the 16th century The ability of the papaya seed to remain viable for many years after drying even allowed the plant to reach the lands of Malacca and India

The plant can be monoecious, which means having both male and female flowers Some plants during certain seasons may change sex during high temperatures like the hot Southwest Florida summers Once pollinated, the fruit the papaya bears is characterized by its melon-like shape that is elongated and clubshaped and can weigh up to 20 pounds when ripe.

The uses for the fruit are plentiful The fruit of the papaya becomes aromatic and inside can range from yellow and orange to various shades of red The flavor can be described as sweet and similar in flavor to cantaloupe The fruit is often cubed or shaped into balls and served in fruit salads and fruit cups It can also be made into sauce for shortcake and ice creams,

See PAPAYA TREE, page 26

In addition, F I S H will have socks, underwear and gift cards available for participating households, and it is accepting monetary donations to ensure enough supplies are available during distribution

Studies show that having the right supplies can help students feel more prepared and l e s s a n x i o u s a s t h e y r e t u r n t o school According to F I S H , students who arrive equipped for the school day feel more confident in their ability to function in the classroom.

The 2022 drive assisted 312 students, and F I S H expects an i n c r e a s e i n r e q u e s t s t h i s y e a r F I S H reported most of those seeking assistance cited reduced work hours or loss of employment due to Ian, as well as the financial hardships caused by the storm, as the top reasons for their financial struggle

“With inflation and hurricane recovery expenses, our neighbors are struggling to make ends meet,” Espinoza said

Distribution to qualifying households will take place from July 31 to Aug 2

Additional financial assistance for specialized equipment, scientific calculators, SAT prep books, instruments, clothing and school uniforms may be available to those showing a financial need

For more information, contact F I S H at 239-4724775

The F I S H Walk-In Center is at 2430-B Periwinkle Way, Sanibel