It was hard to look into the face of that seven-year-old boy, and not cry.  "Hunger hurts", he said clutching his stomach as his mom tearfully explained how she had been feeding him by spreading peanut butter on newspaper, because their cupboards were bare.

Not anymore - well, at least not for a little while.

It Started with an Article
When people around the community read Sharon Salyer’s article in the Herald titled ’Food Bank almost depleted in Everett’ on Tuesday, August 7, the response was beyond heartfelt.  In fact, to the 2700 families who visit Volunteers of America’s Everett Food Bank each month, it was almost a modern-day miracle. 

The Community Responded in Force!
Money and food started pouring in almost immediately, from individuals, from families, and from businesses.  One example was Stock Pot who sent a semi-truck filled with over 19,000 pounds of donated food. Another was a woman whose paraplegic son, resulting from a car accident, wanted to donate his entire $500 monthly income because those visiting the food bank needed it more than he did.  At last count, almost 680 community members and over 75 organizations - including those listed below - had donated nearly  88,021 pounds of food and $66,009. 

The Volunteers of America Western Washington Everett Food Bank, and the 2700 households it serves, relies on community food drives and financial support like this on an ongoing and year-round basis.  There truly is no other way to support the seniors and families who are working hard to be self-reliant.   

Underscoring the Need for Ongoing, Year-round Community Food Drives
Volunteers of America wants to thank and acknowledge all involved.   We hope one day no child will experience the pain of hunger.  And through continued community support of funds and ongoing, year-round community food drives, we are working hard for that day to come soon.

Plan your own food drive with your family and friends, church, neighborhood, or workplace.  Patty Leach would be happy to offer planning tips and tools and help plan an event that makes the most of your efforts!  Feel free to email Patty or call her at 425-259-3191 x13021.   

Organizations that Stepped up for Hungry People
What a wonderful response of food and funds from the business community in the area!  Volunteers of America applauds each and every one of their efforts to support the most vulnerable in our area:

Everett Clinic Foundation, Providence Everett Medical Center (Mission Integration Department and Board Mission Committee), Windermere, Mary Voss, Stillaguamish Tribe, Patty Murray’s Office ? government food drive, Passage Events, Bank of Everett, Providence Physicians Group, Emory’s on Silver Lake, Group Health Employees, Marina Village Mobile Home Park, CMI Home Builders, Windermere Realtors, St. Stephen Renton Food Bank, Snohomish Food Bank, Regence Blue Shield, Builders Exchange of WA Inc, Providence Hospital, Moss Adams, Washington Beta Master, Zion Lutheran Church, Aces Four Construction Company, Dykeman Architects, Woodcraft Construction, R&R Fence, Fire District 1 Foundation, Goodrich, Snohomish County PUD, SNBL USA, LTD, Advent Lutheran Church, Gene Johnson Plumbing and Heating, Stock Pot, Legacy 96 Girls Soccer Team, Proactive Mortgage, Providence Medical Center, Calvary Lutheran Church, First Baptist Church, The Boeing Company ESRC Division, Employees of BECU Credit Union, Pacific Crest Apartments, United Methodist Church, Prince of Peace Church, Boeing Company Employees, Whitfiled United, Cascade View Church, Forest Baptist Church of Everett, First Presbyterian church, Senior Exercise Class Senior Center, Cleaves Greenhouse, Kings’ Riders, Volunteers of America Greater Residential Options Employees, Top Foods, Universal Chiropractic, Silver Lake Pediatric, Canteen Vending, Flagstar Bank, IRH, CCUMC, Thrivent Financial, DSHS, Cascade Rehabilitation, North County Bank, Phillips Medical Systems, Achilles USA, The Everett Herald, Group Health, Everett Community College, Christian Faith Center, Mt. Baker Council of Boy Scouts, and First Security Bank.