‘Tis the season of sharing and gratitude! I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity to lead such a vital nonprofit in the community where I grew up. These streets, playgrounds, neighborhoods, and trails are where my roots lie.
I remember when my favorite downtown store was Charlie B’s, my first slide into home plate happened at Lion’s Field, and I caught jellyfish with my bare hands off the dock across from the little Illahee store. That dock sat at the bottom of the biggest hill my fifth-grade legs ever climbed! I bought my first 45 record, Thriller, at the old record store in the Redwood Plaza, and to this day, I feel a pang of nostalgia every time I pass where Skateland once stood on the 303.
Time may have moved on — businesses have come and gone, the Illahee hill doesn’t seem as daunting, and we’ve swapped record players for Spotify — but one thing remains unchanged: the feeling of home and the desire to care for our neighbors.
One of the most frequent questions I’m asked during the holiday season is: “Do food banks prefer food donations or financial contributions?” My answer is always: “Both!” Each form of giving is essential, not just in November and December but throughout the year. To help you decide how to contribute, here’s a quick breakdown:
Benefits of Financial Contributions
- Greater purchasing power: Food banks can buy in bulk, stretching every dollar further than a typical grocery trip.
- Targeted needs: Financial gifts allow food banks to purchase specific items as needed.
- Efficiency: Monetary donations reduce the labor required for sorting and organizing food drive donations.
- Access to perishable items: Financial support enables the purchase of fresh, nutritious items like meat, dairy, and produce—foods rarely donated during drives.
- Operational flexibility: These contributions also cover essentials like utilities, staff wages, and other operational costs.
Benefits of Food Donations
- Engaging the next generation: Involving kids in food drives fosters a spirit of giving.
- Community involvement: Clubs, businesses, or congregations can rally around themed food drives, increasing participation.
- Targeted impact: Coordinating with food banks can help fill specific gaps on their shelves.
- Tangible results: The visual and physical impact of donating food resonates deeply with many donors.
If you’re interested in engaging with Bremerton Foodline more deeply, we’d love to collaborate and support you in creating meaningful contributions. Our work is about building relationships, strengthening our community, and sharing gratitude.
Thank you for caring, sharing, and making a difference!