2026: Winter Newsletter

VOLUME 25, ISSUE 2

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

The start of the year highlights just how much this community has stepped up to support its neighbors. Your generosity and compassion continue to shine, reminding us that even in challenging times, hope grows strongest when we support one another.

This past year, the need in our area grew dramatically. We served 46,323 families — a 72.3% increase from 2024 to 2025. Behind every number is a family working hard to stay afloat and a community determined to lift them up.

Despite rising demand and ongoing economic strain, the kindness shared across our community has been extraordinary. As we move into the early months of the year — when food and financial donations traditionally dip — your continued support becomes especially meaningful. The remarkable response during the past three months of SNAP Challenges showed what is possible when we act together. With that same spirit, we can continue meeting the growing need and ensure every neighbor has the essentials they rely on.

Hope is shared by those who give generously.

Hope is carried by every volunteer who shows up with a smile.

Hope reminds families that they are not alone.

Thanks to your compassion, we provided warm meals, gifts for children through our Toy Store program, and essential support throughout the winter. Every act of kindness — big or small — makes a meaningful difference.

As we step into a new year, the increased need reminds us that our work is not finished. But together, we can continue bringing warmth, stability, and hope to our community.

Because when neighbors help neighbors, hope grows — and that is where real change begins.

How You Can Help in the New Year

• Giving financially — even a small monthly gift makes a real difference.

• Donating food, especially proteins, soups, and pantry staples.

• Volunteering your time to sort donations or assist with distributions.

• Hosting a food drive at your business, church, or neighborhood.

• Sharing our mission with friends and family.

Every act of kindness helps sustain a family right here at home.

ONAT

Volunteers in the Spotlight

OCTOBER: WALTER KING

For the past two and a half years, Walter King has been a dependable and upbeat part of the Marysville Community Food Bank team. A working truck driver and business owner, Walter brings the same steady energy to his volunteer shifts, helping with “a little of everything” during the last Wednesday distribution of each month. He first connected with MCFB through his church, which participated in monthly distributions and inspired him to get involved. Outside the food bank, Walter enjoys hiking, running, and staying active through community service. His motivation is simple and heartfelt: he volunteers “to help serve the community.”

NOVEMBER: RONALD BESAW, JR.

Since joining Marysville Community Food Bank in early 2025, Ron Besaw has become a familiar and hardworking presence in the receiving area. A retired residential property manager, Ron now volunteers multiple days a week, working alongside Jon, Jim, and Rick to keep donations moving smoothly. He brings a lively personality shaped by years as a band member and a life full of family — two children, six grandchildren, and a growing number of great‑grandchildren. Ron’s commitment, reliability, and sense of humor make him a valued part of the team.

DECEMBER: TRISH KORB

For the past three years, Trish Korb has been a bright and enthusiastic presence within the Marysville Community Food Bank’s Toy Store, where she volunteers during the busy holiday season. Trish played an essential role in the 2025 coat and toy drives, helping ensure local kids received warm coats and Christmas gifts. She was also one of the first to step up for community events that helped raise awareness about the Toy Store and its mission. A former assistant manager with experience in accounting and payroll, Trish now works as a Mary Kay consultant, continuing her passion for enriching women’s lives. Outside her volunteer work, she enjoys YMCA water aerobics, lunches with friends, movies, and church activities. With three daughters and three granddaughters, Trish’s life is rooted in family and service, and her desire “to help people” shines through in every role she takes on.

JANUARY: GARY DOUGHTY

With 18 years of service, Gary Doughty is one of the longest‑tenured and most energetic volunteers at Marysville Community Food Bank. Gary originally joined in 2007, and his enthusiasm hasn’t slowed since. These days, he’s a key part of the meat department, where his get‑it‑done attitude keeps the team moving. Gary learned the importance of giving back from his parents, and he’s carried that lesson forward through years of steady service. Outside the food bank, he enjoys crabbing, traveling, and time with his wife and their dog.

Winter Programs & Impact Highlights

• Holiday Food Baskets: Thousands of families received the ingredients for a warm, festive holiday meal.

• Toy Store Program: Local children experienced the joy of the season thanks to parents selecting gifts with dignity.

• SNAP Challenge Support: Increased demand due to reduced SNAP benefits was met with community generosity and emergency food distributions.

Letter from the Director

Dear Friends,

As winter settles in and we look back on the season of giving, I am reminded once again of the incredible strength and generosity of our community. The holidays are often our busiest time of year, and thanks to your support, we were able to bring warmth, joy, and relief to hundreds of families who needed it most.

From holiday food baskets to warm coats to the smiles shared at our Toy Store, your kindness made a real difference. Behind every number is a family who felt seen, supported, and cared for — and that is because of you.

But as we enter the new year, the need around us remains steady. Many families continue to struggle with the rising cost of living, and winter can be especially difficult for those facing food insecurity, housing instability, or limited resources. Our shelves empty quickly, and we know the months ahead will bring continued challenges.

Your ongoing partnership is what allows us to be here — not only during the holidays, but every single day. Whether you give financially, donate goods, or volunteer your time, you help us meet these needs with compassion and dignity.

Thank you for standing with us, for believing in our mission, and for making hope possible in the heart of winter.

With gratitude,

Amy Howell

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Thank You for Making Hope Possible

We are deeply grateful for your continued partnership. Your generosity fuels every program and touches every life we serve. Together, we will continue building a stronger, more caring, and more hopeful community.

Mark Your Calendars: Fourth Annual Fundraiser

On May 28th, we’re gathering again under this year’s theme, Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Save the date and be part of it.