2025: Fall Newsletter

VOLUME 25, ISSUE 3

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

The holidays remind us of the power of kindness, and nowhere is that more evident than in our own community.

Many of our neighbors are facing difficult times — rising costs, unexpected hardships, and the stress of trying to make the season special for their families. But in the face of these challenges, something beautiful happens; neighbors step up for one another.

Thanks to your generosity, we’re able to provide warm meals at Thanksgiving, gifts for children through our Toy Store program, and essential support to families throughout the winter. Every donation, every volunteer hour, and every act of kindness helps us remind those in need that they are not alone.

This is what community looks like.

It’s people helping people. It’s hope shared through a warm meal, a wrapped gift, or a kind word. It’s the belief that together, we can make the season brighter for everyone.

Let’s keep that spirit alive — because when neighbors help neighbors, miracles happen.

In Memory of Michael Snodgrass

May 20, 1953 – September 20, 2025

We remember with deep affection Michael Snodgrass, who passed away unexpectedly on September 20 at the age of 72. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Mike graduated from Lincoln High School in Tacoma and earned his degree in architecture from Washington State University. He married Terry (Aylesworth) Snodgrass in 1979, and together they made their home in Marysville.

After retiring from his architectural career, Mike became a dedicated volunteer at the Marysville Community Food Bank, where his quiet generosity and steady presence were deeply appreciated. He embraced retirement with joy—taking up golf (never keeping score, always chasing laughter), traveling with Terry on cruises, and most recently exploring Machu Picchu.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on October 25 at the Mission of St. Anne in Tulalip. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Marysville Community Food Bank or St. Anne’s Parish in his honor.

Letter from Director

Dear Friends,

As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, we find ourselves entering a season filled with both gratitude and giving. Holidays are a time of reflection, celebration, and community, but for many families in our area, they also bring uncertainty and hardship.

This year, we are facing significant challenges. Rising costs and increased demand have stretched our resources thin, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that no family goes without a warm meal at Thanksgiving or a gift under the tree at Christmas.

Our Toy Store program, holiday food distributions, and winter support services are more important than ever, but we cannot do it alone. We need your help to continue this vital work.

Whether through a financial gift, a donation of goods, or volunteering your time, your support brings hope and joy to those who need it most. Together, we can make this season brighter for every child, every parent, and every neighbor who turns to us in a time of need.

Thank you for being part of our mission. Your kindness and generosity are the heart of what we do.

With gratitude,

Amy Howell

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

DONAT

Volunteers in the Spotlight

JUNE: JOSEFINA MEMBRADO

After 26 years at Fluke Networks as a material handling tech and inventory specialist, Josefina Membrado brings her dedication and warmth to the Marysville Community Food Bank. For the past year, she’s been a steady presence in the produce department, volunteering Mondays, Tuesdays, and sometimes on Fridays. Jose chose the Food Bank as a place “where I feel needed”—a sentiment that reflects her deep commitment to community. When she’s not volunteering, she enjoys hiking with friends and traveling in groups. We’re grateful for her heart, her hands, and her humble spirit.

JULY: MARK FREITAG

After 39 years with King County Metro Transit, Mark Freitag retired in 2020—but his commitment to service didn’t stop there. For the past two years, he’s been a reliable presence at Marysville Community Food Bank, working in the meat department on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, and delivering food to Meadow Park every other Thursday. Mark first connected with MCFB through its proximity to Saint Mary’s Church, inspired by his faith and desire to serve others. He’s known not only for his steady work ethic but also for his “Freitag-isms”—a playful twist on words that keeps volunteers smiling with his unique, often delightfully groan-worthy humor. Outside the Food Bank, Mark enjoys stunt kite flying with his wife Kari and building scale bus dioramas. A proud father of four, Mark brings precision, compassion, and a dash of wit to every shift.

AUGUST: TERRY EARNHEART

Terry Earnheart has been part of the Marysville Community Food Bank story for over 22 years. A retired electrical contractor and longtime Rotary member, Terry first joined MCFB when a neighbor invited him to help drive the NW Harvest truck—back when the Food Bank was still at the YMCA. Over the years, he’s supported holiday distributions, and now he’s back on a regular basis, bringing his signature warmth and energy to the parking lot crew, where he welcomes clients as they begin their grocery shopping experience. Married to his high school sweetheart Cheryle for 59 years, Terry is also a proud dad and grandpa. His passion for service has taken him far—building schools in Guatemala and supporting Hurricane Katrina relief—but his heart remains rooted in his local community.

SEPTEMBER: LINDA ALLEN

Linda Allen has been volunteering at Marysville Community Food Bank for about a year, bringing warmth to every shift. After retiring from Chase Bank/GMAC and moving to Marysville six years ago, Linda was eager to give back to her new community. A conversation with a neighbor led her to MCFB, where she now helps with home delivery, sorting, and wherever else she’s needed. Linda is a proud mom of two daughters and a son, and a loving grandmother to three. Outside the Food Bank, she enjoys gardening, line dancing, reading, crocheting, and lending a hand to neighbors. Her spirit of service makes her a cherished part of our team.