2026: Summer Newsletter

VOLUME 26, ISSUE 2

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Summer is often thought of as a time of abundance, but for many of our neighbors, it can be one of the most difficult times of the year.

Without access to school meals, families must stretch their resources even further. At the same time, donations often decline, creating additional strain on food banks across the region.

But once again, our community has risen to the occasion.

Because of your generosity, we continue to provide critical support to families navigating rising costs and uncertainty. Every donation, every volunteer shift, and every act of kindness helps ensure that no one in our community has to face these challenges alone.

Hope doesn’t take a season off and neither do the people who make it possible.

Volunteer of the Year 2025: George Ravnsborg

Since joining the Food Bank in 2019, George Ravnsborg has become an essential part of our distribution team. Three days a week, he serves on our parking lot crew, where his primary responsibility is handing out boxes to clients who arrive without appointments — a role he described simply as “3 days Parking lot crew – Give out boxes,” a perfectly George way of putting it.

George first connected with the Food Bank “by accident,” after dropping off some gleaned potatoes. That small moment turned into years of steady, dependable service. When asked why he volunteers, he wrote: “Helping my community and the folks I work with,” a sentiment that captures both his heart and his humor.

Before retiring from Boeing in 2009, George worked as a parts subcontractor on the 737 program. Outside the Food Bank, he’s an adventurer: target shooting, hunting, scuba diving, sailing, powerboating, flying in small planes, and kite flying with kids. At home, he and his wife Nancy share life with their three beloved cat kids.

George brings reliability, warmth, and a deep sense of community to every shift. We are proud to honor him as our 2025 Volunteer of the Year.

ONAT

Volunteers in the Spotlight

FEBRUARY: Jim Adrian

After a remarkable 50 year teaching career across public, private, and overseas schools, Jim Adrian now brings his dedication and calm presence to the Food Bank. He volunteers in receiving five days a week and chose MCFB simply because he knew the need and wanted to be useful. Jim enjoys the people, the purpose, and the rhythm of the work. When he’s not volunteering, he spends time reading and reflecting on his years abroad. His consistency and kindness make him an essential part of our operations.

MARCH: Patti Dalrymple

For the past three years, Patti Dalrymple has been a vital part of the Food Bank’s front‑end operations. After retiring from DSHS as the Regional Administrator for Region 3, she joined MCFB at her husband Lonnie’s encouragement — and quickly became indispensable. She manages phones, appointments, client support, and data entry Tuesday through Thursday. Patti volunteers because she loves the people and the mission, and she enjoys staying connected to her community. Outside the Food Bank, she’s an avid gardener who shares her colorful garden with her grands.

APRIL: David Palmer

David Palmer may be one of our newest volunteers, but he has already become a dependable part of the meat department team. A retired Navy Seabee and longtime Puget Sound shipyard worker, David volunteers because helping others “warms his heart.” He works distribution days on Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and the last Wednesday of the month. David’s sincerity and willingness to jump in wherever needed make him a welcome addition to the crew.

MAY: Jodi Venning

For nine years, Jodi Venning has been a steady, friendly presence at Marysville Community Food Bank. After retiring from Boeing Everett, she wanted to give back to her community and found the Food Bank to be the perfect fit. Jodi helps with food distribution on Mondays and Tuesdays and brings a warm, upbeat spirit to every shift. Outside the Food Bank, she stays active riding and showing American Saddlebred horses, golfing, playing pickleball, taking classes at the Y, and tending her garden. Her reliability and kindness make her a joy to work with.

🎄☀ Christmas in July – Toy Store Drive ☀🎄

Christmas in July is here, and it’s the perfect time to bring a little holiday magic to the Toy Store, which serves more than 2,300 children in the Marysville, Lakewood, and Tulalip communities. This free shopping experience empowers families to create their own special holiday memories.

Your support helps make it all possible. Donate toys, books, coats, hoodies, or make a financial contribution to help our Toy Store elves purchase needed items. Every gift makes a difference.

A special thank you to local Toy Store heroes Nancy and her sister Wendy, who have already donated more than 100 handmade knits and crochet hats to kick off our summer of giving. It’s never too early to spread holiday cheer!

Make a Difference Today

🎀 Drop Off Items: Toys, books, coats, and hoodies at the Marysville Community Center (1015 State Ave.)

🎀 Donate Online: Contribute through our Donate | MCFB – make sure you click on Holiday Toy Store in “Please direct my payment” section.

🎀 Shop Online: Support the Toy Store through our Amazon Wishlist - Amazon Gift List

🎄Every contribution helps bring joy to local children and families this holiday season.

Letter from the Director

Dear Friends,

As summer arrives, we are reminded that while the seasons change, the need in our community does not take a break. For many families, the summer months can bring new challenges; children are home from school, grocery costs increase, and already stretched budgets are pushed even further.

And yet, just like this past winter, our community continues to show up in extraordinary ways.

Because of you, we have been able to keep our shelves stocked, our doors open, and our programs running strong. Every meal shared, every volunteer hour given, and every donation made reflects the deep compassion that defines this community.

As we look ahead to the months to come, including our “Christmas in July” Toy Store campaign, we are filled with both anticipation and gratitude.

Together, we are creating stability, dignity, and hope for families who need it most.

Thank you for continuing to stand beside us.

With gratitude,

Amy Howell

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Shoutout to our Sponsors

We are thrilled to share the success of our recent fundraiser! Thanks to our generous community, we raised critical funds to support our mission.

Because of you, our neighbors have full bellies and hopeful hearts. Thank you for nourishing this community.

Know somebody who could use our services?

Please encourage them to contact us. Families may come once a week for full service. We are located at 4150 88th Street NE, behind St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Distribution days are Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m., and Fridays from 9 to 11 a.m. Seniors age 62 and older and disabled clients are invited to come on Mondays from 9 to 11 a.m., a day specially designated for their service.

Appointments are required. Please visit our website to make your appointment.

Get Food

Our Impact, Together

Explore our annual report to see the difference this community makes every day — from full bellies to hopeful hearts.

Annual Report

Other Helpful Links