SOME OF OUR FAVORITE LOCAL STORIES.
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.”
Ag donor spotlight: Reser’s Fine Foods – May 17
With about 90% of the food we distribute being donated, cultivating strong relationships is central to our mission.
Reser’s Fine Foods is just one of those valued relationships, and their generous support has grown significantly over the last few years, donating items like mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese.
“The Reser’s team is not only a strong partner in helping fight hunger,” Mike added. “They are friends.”
Food as Culture – May 10
In addition to being nourishing and life giving, food is also one of the greatest connectors. Food bonds people together. It shares a story in and of itself and then stories are shared, again, when bread is broken together. One of the leading “getting to know you” activities is going out to dinner.
In The Kitchen, we believe in the power of nutrition but know that nourishment goes best hand in hand with community.
Partner Agency Spotlight: Hope House – May 3
We wanted to take a moment to shine the spotlight on a local partner agency dedicated to making a difference in the lives of homeless women. Hope House offers a compassionate and respectful environment for up to 100 women seeking shelter each night. Part of that environment includes building community and friendships over the three meals offered daily.
Feeding Eastern Washington and North Idaho
Copyright 2020 Second Harvest. All rights reserved.