Food basket drive brings holiday cheer
Published on Wed, Nov 4, 2009 by Beckye RandallRead More Communities
It's hard to believe the holiday season is just around the corner, but volunteers with Operation Marysville Community Christmas (OMCC) are getting ready to celebrate the 25-year tradition of neighbor helping neighbor through the distribution of Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday food baskets and toys to families in need.
Families can register for baskets during regular food bank distribution hours on Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. and Fridays from 9 to 11 a.m. The Marysville Community Food Bank is located at 4150-88th St. NE, just behind St. Mary's Catholic Church.
OMCC officially kicks off its collection efforts with the All City Food Drive on Saturday, November 7. Various volunteer organizations will be stationed at area grocery stores to encourage donations and share information about OMCC. Familiar red barrels for ongoing donations will be placed at more than 50 participating grocers, businesses, public buildings and places of worship.
In addition, watch for the Toys for Tots collection points around town.
Individuals who wish to donate non-perishable food items, unused toys, stocking stuffers, cash cards, candy or wrapping materials are welcome to drop them off at the food bank between 8 and 11 a.m. every day except Wednesday and Sunday.
The food bank is experiencing a shortage of pet food this year, according to director Joyce Zeigen, and welcomes donations of pet food for low-income families and individuals who are having trouble keeping their animals fed and healthy.
OMCC volunteer Sue Kendall emphasized that donations and gifts will go directly to families in the community.
"What you give here, stays here," said Kendall. "That's the real difference your donation or gift makes. With the economy in recovery, it remains hard for families with the most need to make ends meet."
Volunteers are also needed throughout the holiday season and beyond for a variety of tasks. To contribute time to the food bank, call (360) 658-1054; to help with OMCC's efforts, call (360) 658-1055.
Various area service organizations formed OMCC in 1985 to provide needy families with food and toys at Christmas time, with Thanksgiving baskets added soon after. In its first year, 104 families were served, compared with the more than 700 families and 1,200 children served today.
Thanksgiving food baskets will be distributed November 20, 23 and 24, and Christmas food baskets will be delivered December 18, 21 and 22. The OMCC toy store will be open December 17, 18 and 19.
For more information, visit www.marysvillecommunityfb.com.
Families can register for baskets during regular food bank distribution hours on Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. and Fridays from 9 to 11 a.m. The Marysville Community Food Bank is located at 4150-88th St. NE, just behind St. Mary's Catholic Church.
OMCC officially kicks off its collection efforts with the All City Food Drive on Saturday, November 7. Various volunteer organizations will be stationed at area grocery stores to encourage donations and share information about OMCC. Familiar red barrels for ongoing donations will be placed at more than 50 participating grocers, businesses, public buildings and places of worship.
In addition, watch for the Toys for Tots collection points around town.
Individuals who wish to donate non-perishable food items, unused toys, stocking stuffers, cash cards, candy or wrapping materials are welcome to drop them off at the food bank between 8 and 11 a.m. every day except Wednesday and Sunday.
The food bank is experiencing a shortage of pet food this year, according to director Joyce Zeigen, and welcomes donations of pet food for low-income families and individuals who are having trouble keeping their animals fed and healthy.
OMCC volunteer Sue Kendall emphasized that donations and gifts will go directly to families in the community.
"What you give here, stays here," said Kendall. "That's the real difference your donation or gift makes. With the economy in recovery, it remains hard for families with the most need to make ends meet."
Volunteers are also needed throughout the holiday season and beyond for a variety of tasks. To contribute time to the food bank, call (360) 658-1054; to help with OMCC's efforts, call (360) 658-1055.
Various area service organizations formed OMCC in 1985 to provide needy families with food and toys at Christmas time, with Thanksgiving baskets added soon after. In its first year, 104 families were served, compared with the more than 700 families and 1,200 children served today.
Thanksgiving food baskets will be distributed November 20, 23 and 24, and Christmas food baskets will be delivered December 18, 21 and 22. The OMCC toy store will be open December 17, 18 and 19.
For more information, visit www.marysvillecommunityfb.com.
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