Maple Valley Food Bank and Emergency services staff and board of directors would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the countless individuals, businesses, organizations, clubs and churches who brought the magic of the holidays to local families this past season. Given the challenges that our nation’s strained economy presented, the acts of kindness, compassion and generosity shown by our community were extraordinary. Our holiday meals and children’s Christmas gift programs were all a huge success, serving more families than ever before.
As a direct result of selfless giving through the donations we received, 567 Thanksgiving and 524 Christmas holiday family dinners were provided. Our guests chose from a bounty of traditional trimmings to take and prepare in their own homes. The selections included whole turkeys, stuffing, potatoes and gravy, cranberries, yams, pies, fresh eggs, produce and dairy, along with many extras. Dozens of supportive volunteers were at the ready keeping the assortment well stocked and offering helping hands for carry out. Snippets of many animated conversations could be heard regarding cooking and recipes suggestions, sharing of holiday preparation ideas and tales of holidays past.
In addition to the holiday feasts, the children’s Christmas gift program flowed beautifully due to the support of energetic “Santa’s Elves.” A dark, cold, empty warehouse was transformed into a festive, warm and welcoming Christmas gift center filled with donated toys, clothes, bikes, gift certificates and much more for our young neighbors. At their appointment, parents were greeted and guided by personal shoppers who assisted with the gift selections. They chose from attractive displays of sorted and arranged new treasures. Along with choosing main gifts, parents selected a stuffed animal, book or game, soft good (scarf, hat, blanket, socks, etc), and stocking stuffers for each child. We served a record number of children this year, as 1,109 local kids benefitted from this program.
In preparation for the events, businesses all around the area hosted holiday program reminders. A variety of our familiar collection bins, flyers, turkey bucks, gift tags, trees and wreaths could be found in Maple Valley at City Perk, UPS, Curves, three fire stations, library, community center, Maple Valley Fitness, Wilderness Chevron, BECU, Bank of America, Remax, John L Scott, KinderCare, Junior Junction, Water Gardens, Maple Valley city offices, Village Coffee, Wilderness Village Apartments, Quiznos, Thrive Community Fitness, Fairwood Pet Center and Fairwood Ace Hardware.
Covington hosts were MultiCare, Surfrider Coffee, library, Cutters’ Point by Home Depot, KinderCare, Covington Place Senior Apartments and Fred Meyer. In addition, countless businesses hosted clever food and toy drives, such as American Family Insurance’s photos with Santa and Kriss Chiropractic’s free adjustments. Schools in both the Kent and Tahoma districts, through their teachers’ organizations, PTAs, service clubs, maintenance units, administrative offices, bus drivers, leadership teams and various activities all brought a bounty to our doorstep. Medical/dental clinics, soccer clubs, musical groups, dance troops, Black Diamond Eagles, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, cheerleaders, golf clubs, neighborhood drives and many, many more groups gave of their time and resources.
Special mention to all those involved with the Covington and Maple Valley tree lightings as well as the holiday fire engine and food drive.
No less than 18 churches, youth and study groups, walked this journey with us. Your faithful contributions continue not only during the holidays, but year round.
Nearly 1,300 hours of volunteer time were recorded for these projects alone. Volunteers of all ages and abilities came together to collect, sort, haul, organize, clean, set up, decorate, distribute, and the list goes on. We would like to give a special THANK YOU to our core group of volunteers (approximately 65 shifts) who come in each week. In December, you logged 1,357 hours for daily operations. The number of families receiving food bank services now hovers around 100 each day. Your dedication allows us all to serve our neighbors.
Due to the incredible response to our needs, during the holiday season it is impossible to include a complete list of these names. Please feel confident that your generous offerings were and continue to be greatly appreciated. Each donation is very important no matter how small or large; it all makes a difference to those we serve. Many stories have been recounted to us of how your gifts came through sacrifice and commitment. Donations were given in lieu of presents, children gave their own allowance and gifts, parties were held with special admittance donations, and the list goes on and on.
Please accept our thanks for all of your donations and support. Your care, concern and commitment for our community is indeed awe-inspiring.
Thank you and Happy New Year to You All!
Lila Henderson, executive director
staff and board members
Maple Valley Food Bank
and Emergency Services
