VOLUME 24, ISSUE 1
The Marysville Community Food Bank is celebrating its 50th Anniversary!
In 1974, JoAnn Mulligan saw a need in our community and filled it by providing clients with grocery items from a garage and the back of her car. Now, 50 years later, we are continuing her legacy and scaling our efforts to help those facing food insecurity.
In 2024, we’re reflecting on what we’ve been able to accomplish together and dreaming about other ways we can show up for our neighbors:
Last year, we received 1.7 million pounds of food which was shared with over 24,000 families. Through our Food for Thought program, we provided over 20,000 lunch bags for food-insecure or homeless students who didn’t have study or go home hungry.
We can’t wait for what the next 50 years at the Marysville Community Food Bank will hold and we want to celebrate with you!
Volunteers in the Spotlight
September: Robin and Troy McCoy
The McCoys have been volunteering with us for over two years and started out picking up bags for our Simple Gesture Program. Recently, they answered our urgent need for home delivery drivers. They originally started with five deliveries, but their route keeps on growing. Thank you, Robin and Troy, for jumping in and delivering food to our home-bound clients!
October: Darlene Strotz & Rose Wright
Darlene started volunteering close to five years ago because she likes meeting people. She was a dairy farmer for 25 years, and worked at a feed store for another 30. In her spare time, she enjoys bowling and planning auctions. She’s a mother to two daughters, two sons, and three grandsons. Rose has been volunteering for over two years now. She enjoys coming to the Food Bank since it gives her something to do and she likes working in a larger team. Rose has two adult children – a son and a daughter, along with their spouses.
Thank you Darlene and Rose, for your hearts for people and for keeping the dairy section in order!
November: Gary Doughty
Gary has been around at the Food Bank since July 2014, which means he’s been volunteering for close to 12 years! Gary lives with his wife and dog, and loves crabbing, traveling and spending time at the Food Bank in his spare time. He feels fortunate for all that he was given, and following the example he was brought up with, he continues to give to others by helping us in the meat section during food distribution. Gary, we’re so grateful you chose to dedicate over a decade of your life at the Food Bank. Thank you!
December: Chris Lund
Chris brought energy and commitment to his role on the Toy Store Committee. He went beyond expectations to accommodate the businesses needs and his outside the box thinking increased toy donations. Chris streamlined the distribution of toys and his willingness to provide assistance wherever needed was truly appreciated. When asked why he volunteers his time at the MCFB, he said: “The people, the generosity, and the great attitude of everyone involved.” Thank you, Chris, for your being part of our team!
The President’s Corner
2024 rung in a new year bringing a change for all, including the Marysville Community Food Bank. After two years of service our Executive Director, Jim Beaudoin, has moved on. We thank Jim for his accomplishments during his time with us. Under his leadership several improvements were made, including the implementation of the grocery store model of distribution; increased freezer and dry storage capacity; and the creation of our now annual fundraising breakfast.
During our transition to a new Executive Director, we will be under the leadership of Amy Howell. She has worn many hats throughout her 15+ years at the Food Bank, including: assistant director, finance manager, and Food For Thought program manager. No one exudes passion for the Food Bank’s mission like Amy. We are in good hands.
As we look to the future, we will be interviewing for our next Executive Director who will guide us, together with the Board of Directors, to build community relations, seek out and implement additional programs to better serve the community, and increase capacity to keep up with the growing needs.
We appreciate your continued support as we move forward into 2024, and we are excited about what our partnerships with you and the entire community will bring to our neighbors who need a helping hand.
— Ty Wernet
MCFB Board President
Updates
Wishing Joan Butters a happy retirement!
Joan has a big heart and models a life of service and deep compassion for those around her. She spends her days in Social Services, advocating and connecting people to essential programs. At the Food Bank, she was part of the welcoming/parking team, where she served with a smile — rain or shine! She loved getting to know our clients and finding out first-hand, how the Food Bank can better serve them. Towards the end of her time on the Board, she stepped up into the role of Secretary.
We will miss her being part of our team! But most importantly, we wish her a very happy retirement and good luck in achieving her dream of becoming an official “Master Gardener.”
The Marysville Community Food Bank Toy Store
During our 2023 Toy Store event, we were able to provide brand new holiday gifts and warm coats to 2,063 children. We’re so grateful for the Toy Store team that continues to find ways to create a spark for families who wouldn’t otherwise have gifts during the holiday season. Thank you for supporting and volunteering to ensure this incredible event is a success every year!
In Loving Memory: Barbara Sanborn
We were deeply saddened to hear about the loss of this wonderful lady on December 2, 2023. She was a dedicated volunteer at the Food Bank since 2014 and had only recently retired from volunteering. She was a dedicated Seattle Sounders and Seattle Kraken fan. She volunteered to give back and be part of the community and wanted to make life a little easier and better for others.
In her own words, she enjoyed imparting wisdom and nonsense, as well as gardening. She had been a small business owner in Edmonds and an animal care technician in Redmond. She left behind a son and a daughter, 7 grand dogs, 4 grandkids, and 2 great grandkids. Here at the Food Bank, she was in charge of eggs and creating havoc. She will be remembered for her selflessness, dedication, and love for her community. May her soul rest in peace.