Soap Lake Food Bank collects toys for kids

SOAP LAKE — Kitty Thomas’ Christmas wish is for every Soap Lake child to have a toy.

As president of the Soap Lake Food Bank, Thomas is asking for assistance in collecting toys to give to needy children of Soap Lake. This is the fourth year the food bank has put on their Frosty’s Friends Toy Drive.

“Holidays can become a great burden for families in need who want to provide for their children, but just can’t,” Thomas said. “We do what we can to provide toys for those families and offer them relief.”

The food bank is accepting new toys or money donations until Dec. 11.

Toys can be dropped off at the following locations:

• McKay Healthcare & Rehab Center’s business office or kitchen, located at 127 Second Ave. S.W.

• The Soap Lake Food Bank, located at 325 E. Main Ave.

• Home Varieties on Main Street in Soap Lake.

Thomas said they have given toys to about 400 kids and 105 families in the past. She expects the numbers to increase this year because of poor economic conditions, she said.

“Our budget is small,” Thomas said. “Luckily the town is really behind the process and many local businesses help out each year.”

The food bank received a $1,000 grant from the Paul Lauzier Foundation they are using to purchase toys. They have also received many items for community members.

“The Rotary Club of Ephrata always donates money and toys,” Thomas said. “We are so grateful for every contribution, every little bit helps.”

Thomas said she is involved in the project for personal reasons.

“My mother was in an orphanage after her mother died when she was eight years old,” Thomas stated. “She and my dad raised eight children and they taught us to always looking out for others.”

Thomas pointed out even a small amount, such as $15 can make a big difference to a family in need.

“That little bit can mean the world to someone, we don’t need elaborate gifts for this,” she said. “This is just like people helping a neighbor and it is amazing watching how far things can go.”

Soap Lake Elementary School assists in the project by providing the food bank with a database of children in need. Families in Soap Lake can sign up to receive toys for children ages birth to 18, at the school or the food bank.

“Without the school, we wouldn’t be able to do this,” Thomas said.

After Dec. 11, food bank workers get together and wrap up the toys based on families. They contact each family receiving a gift and distribute them at a chosen location Dec. 19.

“We have a friend that becomes Santa for a day so the children receive presents from him,” Thomas said.

Residents can also donate gently-used items to the food bank. In the past, they have given out items such as bicycles during the toy drive from donors, Thomas said.

Checks can be mailed to Soap Lake Food Bank P.O. Box 925, Soap Lake WA, 98851. Givers must write “toy drive” in the memo section.

For more information, call Kitty Thomas at 509-398-5222.