Help FISH continue helping those in need

The number of families seeking assistance from FISH, local churches, and other non-profits is on the rise. During the holidays, FISH expects to provide nearly 1,500 turkeys and side dishes to families in need. Many of these families have never needed or wanted assistance in the past.

Unfortunately, given the current economic conditions, many of our neighbors are under-employed or unemployed and their needs are real - and to complicate things, those who traditionally donate are also feeling the economic pinch, so donations are down.

In 2009, FISH helped a record number of people. Since April 2010, we have been providing help to nearly 100 new families every month, so 2010 will set records again. During and after the holidays, FISH continues to provide hot showers, medicine, shelters, hot meals, pantry food, energy assistance and more. We share our resources with Food for Thought, Backpack Buddies, Ron Wood Family Resource Center, the Salvation Army, the Circles Initiative, local churches and others.

So many people think that FISH is just a thrift store. The reality is that our three thrift stores provide about 40 percent of our budget. People seem amazed to hear that every month we have to pay over $14,500 toward our mortgage, thousands a month in utility bills, thousands in rent, hundreds of dollars in fuel bills for our vehicles, and the list goes on. People are always surprised at how much work and money is required to take care of the needs of our local community.

We are very thankful to the Carson, Lyon, and Douglas communities for their ongoing support. With only 5 percent of our budget coming from the government in the form of FEMA food grants, we rely on the local grocery stores, generous local donors, occasional grants, the "Fruit Barons," other non-profits, and a host of dedicated volunteers to provide for the needs in our community.

If you are able, we ask for continued support. Please, shop in our thrift stores, provide financial support, help us provide shampoo and hygiene kits, new socks, gloves and underwear, volunteer your skills (trades, medical, fundraising, coaching, etc.), adopt one of our eight local shelters ...

Also, help us to thank our employees, volunteers and donors who are behind the scenes working miracles in the lives of our neighbors in need. We are on the web at www.nvfish.com or you can call 882-FISH (3474) to see how you can help.

• Jim Peckham is executive director of FISH.