| As you’re out and about getting into the holiday spirit, there is no better way to feel good about the holidays than lending a helping hand. The local food banks rely on the community year-round, but during the holiday season the generosity of the community is especially needed. All the food banks, as well as several other organizations, give holiday food baskets to families in need. The organizations report a decrease in contributions this year and an increase in need, due to the raising cost of living that doesn’t keep up with wages.
“People are struggling. The need has gotten greater, and we see people coming in earlier (in the season) for their needs,” says Maj. Jim Baker with the Bremerton-based Salvation Army.
Some of the local food banks are listed below, but there are dozens of others that will greet your support with open arms. For their gift drives, most of the groups have a shortage of gifts for teens. Gift certificates to department stores as well as some teen-oriented shops in places like the mall, movie passes or rentals are most welcome. Just about every organization gets a plentiful supply of stuffed animals and they’re not always popular gifts — so don’t hesitate to find other original, interactive toys.
South Kitsap Helpline will provide food baskets to over 1000 families. Their top wanted items include meal items like turkeys, gravy, canned corn and green beans, stuffing, olives and fresh produce. Executive Director Jennifer Hardison said a special drive for perishable items such as potatoes, carrots, apples and oranges will be held on Friday-Saturday, Dec. 14-15.
A toy and gift drive also collects gifts for children, with giving trees placed throughout the community. Last year, 1,000 children received gifts and this year, the number is expected to double. “We couldn’t do it without the help,” Hardison says. For older children, suggested items include gloves, hats and scarves, nail polish, bath products, movie or bowling gift certificates. Drop off gift donations at 1351 Bay Street in Port Orchard by Dec. 15; food donations for the holiday baskets will be accepted through Dec. 21. Call 360-876-4089 for hours.
The Salvation Army in Bremerton will give food baskets to 300-350 families along with toys and clothing. Angel Trees around the community list actual requests by families they serve. Food donations (traditional items except cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie filling) are welcome but cash is preferred, because they buy needed items in bulk as well as receive discounted prices at several grocery stores.
“Money is the most practical because we can spend it any way needed,” Maj. Baker said. Gift certificates to department stores are also welcome for families. The November-December months bring in about half the organization’s annual funding, so don’t shy away from filling up those kettles staffed by bell ringers. The organization serves 130 meals/day Monday-Friday during the year, serving primarily homeless and low-income individuals. They also help with utilities, camp scholarships, and other services.
Drop off donations before Dec. 17 at 832 Sixth Street (call 360-479-2695 for hours).
Central Kitsap Food Bank will create about 400-450 food baskets for families. Wanted: cash donations as well as the usual holiday trimmings such as frozen turkeys, boxed potatoes, gravy, condiments canned vegetables, olives, tomato sauces, stuffing etc. “We’re trying to help people who have financial struggles to have a traditional dinner like everyone else,” says Executive Director Hoyt Burrows. “Cash is always great, because I can use it to fill the gaps in the products we need.”
Drop off items at 3790 NW Anderson Hill Road in Silverdale, by Dec. 14. Call 360-692-9818 for hours of operation.
The Bremerton Foodline needs items such as canned fruits, vegetables, dessert, and general food donations. More than 700 families are expected to receive food baskets. Perishable items are welcome closer to the basket distribution date, but all donations should be dropped off by Dec. 14. New or gently used, unwrapped toys are welcome, as well as kids clothing and blankets.
“Our donations have been down but the demand is up 15 percent. We’ve had to cut back on the amount of donations we give to clients,” said Executive Director Monica Bernhard. “Most people are choosing between which bills to pay, and as they choose to pay rent or electricity, they turn to a food bank for help with food. These are seniors living on limited income or working family folks, but the lack of livable wage jobs puts pressure on them… We’re thankful for the support we get from the community — it’s critical.”
Drop off donations at 1600 12th Street in Bremerton; call 360-479-6188 for hours.
The Gig Harbor/Key Peninsula Fish foodbank will serve food baskets for about 150 Gig Harbor families. Stuffing, juice, canned fruits are some of the most needed items, as well as cash donations. For toy gifts, items for boys ages 9-12 and teens are in shortest supply. They also need personal hygiene and toiletry items on ongoing basis.
Fish, too, has experienced a drop in donations, running about $40,000 short per year, according to board President Jan Coen. “We’ll have to cut back programs,” she says.
Drop off holiday donations by Dec. 14 at 4425 Burnham Drive in Gig Harbor; call 858-6179 for hours.
Helpline House on Bainbridge Island does not offer holiday food baskets but it helps local families in need through a program that allows families to “shop” for gifts at no cost and it also helps facilitate a fund for holiday groceries. In addition to cash donations, unwrapped presents for all ages including adults are needed. Some ideas include movie passes, restaurant gift certificates, coffee cards, costume jewelry, teen T-shirts, popular action figures, small tool sets and warm socks/hats/gloves. Call 206-842-7621 for details or bring donations to 282 Knechtel Way.
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