Fairfax FISH
(For Immediate Sympathetic Help)

In 1961 church members in Oxford, England, organized the first FISH to provide assistance to their neighbors. The movement spread quickly and there are now countless such organizations around the world. In Fairfax, it began in 1967 when seven churches in the area formed Fairfax FISH. Now, more than 30 years on, the organization comprises 21 member churches who have pooled financial and personnel resources as members of Fairfax FISH Inc., to more effectively and efficiently serve the needy in our community. There are 10 other such organizations serving the whole of Fairfax County.

FISH Facts!

• In 1997 Fairfax FISH volunteers served over 12,262 hours, traveled nearly 14,000 miles and completed 1,474 requests for assistance to those less fortunate.
  
  
• In 1997 Fairfax FISH dispensed over $82,000 of donated funds for rent, mortgage, utilities, prescriptions and other miscellaneous payments.
  
  
• In addition 177 families and individuals were helped with food from 7 food pantries and the purchase of fresh produce and baby items.
  
  
• The churches contribute funds from their Mission Outreach Programs as well as providing volunteer captains, drivers and workers who sort and maintain the food pantries and a clothing closet.
  
  
• You can donate to Fairfax FISH through the United Way/Combined Federal Campaign (FISH's number is 8305) or you can make a private donation. Because Fairfax FISH is composed entirely of volunteers working out of their homes, the organization's overhead is under 3%, an almost unheard of figure. When you give to Fairfax FISH, you can be assured that almost all of your contribution is going directly to help those in need in our community.
  
  
• Commitment of time as a FISH volunteer is only 4 - 5 hours every five weeks. As a captain you would spend this time in your own home responding to calls from the county social services office (a perfect job for young mothers or the homebound!). Drivers also spend their duty time at home awaiting a call to transport food or a "client" to a medical appointment. NB: All clients are screened by the social services and no personal names/telephone numbers are given out to clients.
  
  
• FISH volunteers derive great satisfaction from serving their community in this way because they know they are REALLY making a difference.

Would you like to volunteer? If you are interested or would simply like to know more about Fairfax FISH please contact FISH via the church office at (703) 273-5300 or write to: Fairfax FISH Inc., PO BOX 2254, Fairfax, VA 22031-0254, telephone answering service at (703) 978-0280.

Fairfax FISH Members

Bethlehem Lutheran Church	Calvary Hill Baptist	Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church
Church of the Apostles (Episcopal)	Church of the Good Shepherd (Episcopal)	Fairfax Baptist Church
Fairfax Christian Church	Fairfax Community Church	Fairfax Presbyterian Church
Fairfax United Methodist Church	Holy Spirit Catholic Church	Little River United Church of Christ
Parkwood Baptist Church	Providence Presbyterian Church	St Ambrose Catholic Church
St George's United Methodist Church	St Mary Queen of Sorrows Catholic	St Peter's In the Woods Episcopal
St Stephen's United Methodist Church	Truro Episcopal Church	Lord of Life Lutheran

HELP NEEDED! Have you been looking for a meaningful way to contribute to our community but don't have a lot of time? Could you find three hours on a Tuesday or Thursday morning once a month (or even less often)? The wonderful ministry of the food pantry and clothing closet at the Calvary Hill Baptist Church (corner of Rt. 236 and Olley Lane) could use some additional helping hands. The only requirement is a heart willing to serve those less fortunate. If, by chance, you have some knowledge of Spanish you would find this an excellent opportunity to practice it because of the many Hispanic clients who come each week to this facility. Do you feel God Calling you to assist in this mission? Please contact the Calvary Hill church secretary weekday mornings at (703) 323-1347 for more information or to volunteer.