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FEEDING HOPE: SHELLEY’S STORY
“I could just hug everybody here because I’m so happy about this.”
Of course, hugging isn’t happening during the COVID-19 crisis, but Shelley’s gratitude could still be felt as she picked up a Tom’s Turkey Drive Thanksgiving meal box this year. “I’m working on a budget,” shared Shelley. “I’m going to use this very wisely, and I’ll share what I don’t need if I have leftovers.”
The COVID-19 crisis has kept Shelley from traveling to see family over the last several months, including this holiday season. This Thanksgiving, she’d be celebrating at home with her cat, who has kept her company as she’s been spending more time at home. “He’s a real sweetheart. We’re like this,” she said, holding up her hand to show her index and middle finger tightly crossed.
“I’m so much more grateful this year. I’ve been doing a lot of work on myself, and I feel like things are getting better in my life.”
Shelley couldn’t wait to cook her turkey in her new oven—one of the many things she was grateful for this Thanksgiving. She hasn’t had an oven in more than ten years, including six years when she experienced homelessness.
But a new oven wasn’t the only thing different about this Thanksgiving for Shelley. “I’m so much more grateful this year. I’ve been doing a lot of work on myself, and I feel like things are getting better in my life,” she said.
She hopes to continue to share that gratitude with others by volunteering in the community in the coming months.
Shelley had a simple but poignant message to the donors and volunteers who helped make Tom’s Turkey Drive a success: “Thank you. God bless you, and thank you.”
How to Host a Fundraiser – September 22
Looking for a fun way to celebrate your birthday, company event or holiday? Hosting a fundraiser for Second Harvest is easy and makes an impact. You can raise funds online or host a food drive in person. We’ll give you the tools to get set up, share your event and start collecting. Every dollar donated makes a difference for neighbors experiencing food insecurity.
Serving Those Who Serve Our Country – September 15
Steve and his wife both retired from the Army, and he also spent time as a civil engineer in the Navy. His career has been a life of service to our country. Today, he is a member of the civilian workforce at Fairchild Air Force Base.
With economics the way they are today, Steve accesses Second Harvest Mobile Market free food distributions on base.
Naturally cheery, Steve manages a smile even when he explains “Times are hard.” Simultaneously, he proudly adds, “We have two kids, 13 and 14. They eat like crazy and are growing like mad.”
Back to School with Bite2Go – September 8
Bite2Go is a weekend food program for students facing chronic food shortages at home. Bite2Go gives children access to a mix of nutritious, nonperishable and ready-to-eat meals and snacks for the weekend, helping kids return to school ready to learn on Mondays. At the heart of the program is the adoptive organization. Bite2Go relies on businesses, churches and civic groups to “adopt” a school, and through that engagement and funding model, provide students with food for the weekends through the school year.
Feeding Eastern Washington and North Idaho
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