2025: Summer Newsletter

VOLUME 25, ISSUE 2

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

A couple of months ago, we shared a photo of our empty shelves asking for support. Long story short... our food bank has depleted most of the governmental resources that made it easier to keep our warehouse consistently stocked. This means it’s time for our Community to step up. It’s time for all of us to step up and help our own neighbors, each in our own way.

And, you did.

Within a few days, we received enough donations to fill the gaps. Additionally, 16,000+ pounds of food were donated for the Letter Carrier Food Drive — which ended the downward trend of decreased donations the last few years. Thank you for donating and sharing the message!

Help Us Close the Gap: Your Support Still Matters

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our third annual fundraiser! We’re incredibly grateful for the support and energy you brought to the event. It was a meaningful reminder of the strength of our community.

While we had a great turnout and a wonderful time together, we are still 11% behind our fundraising target, while the needs of the community only continue to grow. Help us finish strong. Every dollar makes a difference!

If you’re able, please consider making a donation today to help us continue providing food, hope, and dignity to our neighbors in need.

DONAT

Volunteers in the Spotlight

We recently gathered to celebrate the incredible volunteers who are the heart of the Marysville Community Food Bank. It was a joyful evening filled with gratitude, laughter, and stories of service that continue to inspire us every day.

A special congratulations to Sheila Eastman, our 2024 Volunteer of the Year! Sheila’s unwavering dedication, compassion, and countless hours of service have made a lasting impact on our organization and the lives of those we serve.

JANUARY: GEORGE RAVNSBORG

In his own words, “I feel honored and inspired by the women and men who I work with at the MCFB.” George, we’re honored to have you play such a consistent and vital role — you are one of the  core members that help us live out our mission everyday

FEBRUARY: JON ALEXANDER

After 11 years, Jon’s energy to help others and keep active after retiring is unwavering. If we were to list every role he has and continues to fill at the MCFB, we’d run out of space. Thank you for the hours, days, weeks, years of devoted service!

MARCH: NOHRI NUNEZ

What started as required volunteer hours, blossomed into an opportunity to deepen relationships with fellow volunteers and continue doing the work she loves. Nohri, a recent high school grad, has become a regular volunteer on Fridays!

APRIL: ANGELA CARPENTER

Angela has been around for “a long time.” Perhaps, too long to count the years. She’s always busy taking care of others, both family and the wider Marysville Community. Thanks for always helping whenever and wherever needed!

MAY: DAN & MEGHAN CALLAGHAN

The Callaghan’s came to the MCFB by personal invite from their friend Zita (Pssst. don’t forget to invite your friends to volunteer!). They’ve been volunteering for the last couple of years and spend most of their Thursdays delivering food to Liberty Elementary.

Letter from the Director

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As summer arrives in Marysville, we’re reminded of the strength and generosity that define our community. At the Marysville Community Food Bank, we continue to see the incredible impact of your support — whether through donations, volunteer hours, or simply spreading the word about our mission.

Hunger doesn’t take a summer break.

We’re asking for your continued help to ensure that no family in our community goes without food. In fact, summer is when most children are out of school and lose the stability of school meals, putting an extra strain on families. Your financial contributions help us keep our shelves stocked with fresh, nutritious options, and your time as a volunteer brings hope and dignity to those we serve.

Together, we live out our slogan: “Where hunger ends, hope begins.” 

Whether you’ve been with us for years or are just learning about our work, there’s a place for you here. Let’s make this summer a season of compassion, connection, and care.

With heartfelt thanks,

Amy Howell

Executive Director

Hellos & Goodbyes:

Changes in the Board of Directors

Gloria Hirashima - Gloria (wife of long-time volunteer, Gary Doughty) recently retired from the City of Marysville, where she worked for 35 years. Gloria’s extensive leadership and development experience, paired with demonstrated passion for community nonprofit work are just some of the reasons we’re excited to welcome her to the MCFB Board.

Jim Gardner - A long-time volunteer, Jim has already shown his passion for our shared vision of a hunger-free community. He is always eager to serve, optimize, and problem-solve. We’re looking forward to seeing how the MCFB grows thanks to his organizational experience and desire to help wherever needed.

While we welcome new members, we had to say farewell to Andy Smith. Andy’s financial background played a vital role in ensuring we were good stewards of the resources entrusted to us. His visionary and servant heart kept us focused on the next best strategies to reach the people that need our services most. Thank you for over 7 years of devoted service on our Board!

Mark Your Calendars: Toy Store Coming Soon!

Registration for the 2025 Marysville Community Food Bank Toy Store opens November 1st. We hope to see you there!