A Wish List From FamilyWorks – Our Local FoodBank

Our food bank could use some help, in their mission to aid the most marginalized among us. Photo provided by FamilyWorks

FamilyWorks appreciates the community support being shown for its food bank services and the Family Resource Center during this pandemic. It definitely lifts spirits to see so many acts of kindness. The volunteers and staff are witness to such hardships right now, but the heart-felt giving, and compassionate acts of donors and supporters are felt by participants.

Looking for ways to help? FamilyWorks is in need of donations of:

Hygiene supplies – hand sanitizer, hand wipes, lotion, soap, shampoo, conditioner, etc.
Socks – new, clean and for both men and women
Pop-top canned foods – soups, stews, chilis, meats, and fruit
Juice

FamilyWorks needs donation of hygiene items for distribution to people in need. Photo by Jussiak, from Pixabay.com

At the two food banks operated by FamilyWorks (in Wallingford and on Greenwood – the Ballard Food Bank also serves those in need in our community,) they currently provide an express, walk-up distribution of pre-packed bags of groceries and fresh produce. They do their best to personalize each bag for each individual participant as much as possible. Some community members have sent in great, uplifting greeting cards to put in the bags, to bring some levity and humor to the recipients.

If you can donate money, GiveBIG could mean getting it matched, to help our food bank even more!

Following the Center for Disease Control’s COVID-19 guidelines that people over the age of 60 self-isolate, FamilyWorks has seen a significant downturn in attendance by their regular senior participants. These were people who usually were at the food bank on a weekly basis. FamilyWorks does not collect specific contact information on food bank recipients, although they do get mailing addresses and have mailed letters to those in these categories to offer home grocery delivery. If you know a neighbor or friend alone at home who might not be able to afford food, please check on them and connect them with resources such as FamilyWorks.

If you are able, FamilyWorks can always use financial donations, if you are able. On May 5^th, the Washington GiveBIG day-of-donation returns and FamilyWorks is able to accept early pledges and donations now. Please visit the FamilyWorks website to find out more, and share the information!