VOLUME 21, ISSUE 3
If you're looking to get into the holiday spirit, there's no better way than by helping others. The Marysville Community Food Bank has three ways to do just that.
1. The first is through financial donations. The MCFB can buy holiday foods in bulk at the best prices with no sorting required, thus streamlining the process. Likewise, the Toy Store can buy gifts for community children who would otherwise have none, sometimes at reduced cost. You can donate to the Marysville Community Food Bank on our Facebook page, on our new website at marysvillefoodbank.org, or by mailing a check to MCFB, PO Box 917, Marysville, WA 98270. To donate to the Toy Store, simply designate 'Toy Store.'
2. The second way you can help is by donating the two foods we need most: turkeys and hams! Although we gladly accept all foods, turkeys and hams are most appreciated. Perhaps you'll have the opportunity to get a free turkey or ham through a grocery store promotion or from your workplace that you will not need for your own use. If so, please consider donating them.
3. The third way you can help is by volunteering. Come join our team of hardworking, fun-loving volunteers and get in the holiday spirit! Visit the volunteer section of our website (marysvillefoodbank.org/volunteer) to learn more.
Updates
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven ... " – Ecclesiastes 3:1
MCFB's 2021 Toy Store: Location and Logistics
We're counting on our faithful volunteers and supporters to make the holidays bright again this year for hundreds of families through the Marysville Community Food Bank Toy Store. This year's Toy Store will be a drive-through event on December 15 and 16 at The Grove Church, which has graciously agreed to host again this year. Marysville, Tulalip and Lakewood families who need assistance providing Christmas gifts for children ages newborn to 17 can register online November 1–30, here. Our community truly is so generous. We look forward to making a difference with you this holiday season!
Online Donations Made Easier We're happy to offer our supporters a new and even easier way to donate to the Marysville Community Food Bank. Network for Good can be accessed through our website's 'Donate' page, here. If you've used PayPal in the past, please donate through this new method.
Volunteers in the Spotlight
We thank all our volunteers, whose hard work and dedication allow us to serve our community. Here are our recent Volunteers of the Month!
May: Sue Sampson At the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, Sue Sampson began volunteering at the Food Bank with the City of Marysville Community Emergency Response Team. Although that group discontinued, Sue didn't! She kept right on directing traffic in our drive-through distribution every Monday regardless of rain, snow, hail, wind or heatwave. Sue also checks in clients and serves whenever she's needed. An Adjunct Professor at Bellevue University in Nebraska, Sue teaches online in the field of cybersecurity and programming. She and her husband, Bill, have two sons: John is an Artificial Intelligence software engineer in New Jersey and Edward is a defense contractor for the Marines working out of Texas. In her free time, Sue enjoys reading, hiking, kayaking, walking and cruising with Bill. She also enjoys interacting with Food Bank clients and volunteers. The feeling is certainly mutual, Sue!
June: Collin Smith Three years ago, Collin Smith began volunteering once a week. Before long it was twice a week. Now he's at the Food Bank every day we're open and he's a great asset! He sorts and bags produce for distribution, composts unusable produce, washes containers for recycling, stocks the fridge with water for volunteers, and does a lot of general heavy lifting in the warehouse. In his free time, Collin helps his parents, Jane and Wade, with the gardening at home and he also enjoys macrame and other arts and crafts. Collin volunteers at the Food Bank because he likes people and helping out. He came to the right place because we like him and really appreciate his help!
July: Paige Jackson
It was a little over a year ago when Paige Jackson began volunteering at the Food Bank at the suggestion of her friend, Jennifer Chapman. Since then, Paige, a 9th-grader at Cavelero Mid High School in Lake Stevens, has helped with distribution every Tuesday afternoon. In her free time Paige enjoys reading murder mysteries and romance novels and, like many teens, hanging out with her friends. Paige has two brothers, Caden and Nick, and a sister, Faith. Her parents, Michele and Seth, have to be very proud of their extraordinary daughter who says she just really likes volunteering here. We are so lucky to have your help, Paige!
August: Kelsey Shaw
In the spring of 2021, MCFB board member Andy Smith knew just who to call when we need- ed a new board member: Kelsey Shaw. Kelsey is a media strategist and graphic designer who contracts with nonprofits like World Vision, making her just the person to create our impressive new website! Kelsey was born and raised in Poland to American parents who spoke English at home. However, Kelsey became bilingual attending Polish public schools. She moved to Southern California in 2016 to attend Biola University. While on summer break in Seattle she met her future husband through mutual friends. Long-distance love story short, Kelsey and Hunter were married in November 2020 in a small COVID-era wedding. Kelsey and Hunter love cooking, hosting family and friends, and attending live concerts in Seattle. Kelsey enjoys painting in watercolors, too. We are so glad that she said yes to the invitation to join the board!
You're Invited ...
It's no surprise that many of our amazing volunteers originally found their way to the Marysville Community Food Bank after being encouraged by a friend or family member to volunteer here. So if you're a current volunteer, please invite people you know to join us. And if you don't currently volunteer and would like to learn more, please visit our website. The MCFB is a friendly, lively, fulfilling place to volunteer, and we would love for you to join our team!
Check Out Your New Website!
The Marysville Community Food Bank is proud to announce a brand-new website! Not only is it bright and shiny with photos and videos showing the MCFB in action, it is also user-friendly with answers to frequently asked questions. Kelsey Shaw, one of our newest board members (and our August 2021 Volunteer of the Month) created this masterpiece. Be sure to explore our beautiful new site.
In loving memory...
We were saddened to hear of the passing of Helena D'Souza on August 28 from breast cancer. Helena was a lovely woman who volunteered a few years ago with her husband, Richard. They had planned to return to the U.S. (and to volunteering at MCFB) when COVID hit, halting all air travel from India. Sharing in Richard's sorrow are their son in Everett and daughter in Kuwait, and those of us here at the Food Bank who knew this ray of light that was Helena.
"Nothing has brought me more joy..."
You won't want to miss Dell's last article as the Marysville Community Food Bank Director:
"I love it when people ask me what I do, when inquiring about my line of work. I am so proud to tell them that I am the director of the Marysville Community Food Bank. I delight in talking about the work we do here and the services we provide..."
Our Mission Enhancing the lives of our neighbors by nourishing their bodies, hearts and souls to build a brighter future.
Newsletter Editor Sherry Haigh
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