Our Story
Can one person make a difference in their community? We think so!
Elizabeth Colnaghi, affectionately known as “Betty,” wanted to help lower-income Laurel residents. She opened a food pantry in the basement of her home and, with the support of area volunteers, incorporated Fish of Laurel as a 501(c)(3) in 1976.
In addition to the food pantry, Betty and Fish volunteers operated a telephone helpline and offered emergency financial aid and transportation. Twelve years later, the 1950s home at 308 Gorman Ave. was generously donated to Fish. In 1990, the home was dedicated as "Elizabeth House" in honor of Betty’s 20 years of volunteer service. This donation made it possible for Fish to open a meal kitchen and begin serving a hot evening meal seven days each week.
Today, more than 300 people volunteer with Fish of Laurel, preparing and serving meals, running the food pantry, and providing critical emergency services to lower-income, unhoused, and/or food-insecure neighbors. Our programs annually provide over 48,000 meals and tens of thousands of pounds of food items to our community residents in need.
Fish of Laurel founder, Elizabeth "Betty" Colnaghi.