Volunteers from The Vine Church recently helped package weekend meal kits. They are staying safe wearing handmade masks donated by Talent Services International.

Since March, the Foundation's Nourishing Network has had record requests for food and household assistance. As I think about this, I’m reminded of a saying: “You can’t always control what happens, but you can control how you respond.” So true.

Our community has responded with such kindness. Countless partners, volunteers and donors like you have come together to lift kids and families.

We now deliver weekend meals and school supplies to almost 300 homeless students. A sixth pop-up pantry will serve 30 more families in our district. Nearly 1,000 children each week get grab-n-go meals at four Foundation sites.

We're able to meet this need because of the community we are part of. I want to celebrate our community and share just a few examples of generosity.

Reaching those in need…

• Crossfit Industrious lends a van to deliver weekend meals to homeless students
• Campbell Auto Group provides a full-time staff person to distribute pantry boxes and weekend meals
• Edmonds Education Association will hold a drive-through food drive on May 29th
• Family-owned Garden Fresh Foods donates pallets of prepped, fresh-cut produce for families in need
• More than 30 volunteers show up every week to help keep our food programs running

 

Jim, Mark and Madison Dugdale own and operate Garden Fresh Foods

Keeping others safe…

• Gunnvor Tveidt and the team Talent Services International donated 500 handmade cloth masks for children and adults
• Scratch Distillery provided homemade hand sanitizer to use at meal sites and our food pantry
• Swedish Edmonds Hospital donated 100 masks and 100 personal care kits

Sharing tools and knowledge…

• Sound Credit Union hosted a Budget Basics virtual workshop to help others navigate financial uncertainty
• Volunteers of America Western WA connects families to eviction prevention services              Thumbs up! Thank you, Community Christian Fellowship

This wonderful community spirit shines on children and families who have suffered because of COVID-19. I am so grateful. 

Warmly,

Deborah Brandi
Executive Director

Staff and volunteers are ready for this month's pop-up pantry at Beverly Elementary School. A sixth pop-up pantry will open this month at Mountlake Terrace Elementary School.