Volunteers share food, goodwill
Cheryl Schweizer/Columbia Basin Herald Volunteer Andrew Mansfield distributes potatoes as part of the annual Moses Lake Food Bank Thanksgiving basket distribution Monday morning.
MOSES LAKE — It was a rainy, soggy, cloudy Monday morning, but the volunteers manning the Thanksgiving basket drive-through at the Moses Lake Food Bank didn’t mind. There was plenty of goodwill going around to counteract the bad weather.
“People were really appreciative today. Really appreciative,” said Mary Harrington, who's on the food bank board of directors. “The smiles on their faces when they came through.”
Each year the food bank distributes Thanksgiving baskets on the three days leading up to Thanksgiving, and traditionally Monday is drive-through day. Food bank customers can pick up the elements that go into Thanksgiving dinner without getting out of the car. (For 2017 that meant chickens for the main course, bags of potatoes and onions, along with eggs and bread.)
“It’s a wonderful time to give out food,” Harrington said. She quoted a remark from one of the recipients: “It’s going to be a lot better Thanksgiving now.”
Business was brisk at the drive-through Monday morning. “They were lined up by eight o’clock this morning,” said food bank director Peny Archer. Distribution started at 10 a.m., and “it’s been a steady stream since 10 o’clock,” she added.
In three days the food bank will serve about 1,500 people, she said. There was a shortage of turkeys as late as Friday, but over the weekend the food bank received substantial donations. Archer said everybody will get some kind of meat for their Thanksgiving table.
The volunteers registered the customers, directed the traffic, loaded the cars. Volunteers came from church youth groups, local businesses and organizations. Andy Pinson is in the Royal Rangers and was helping out for the first time.
“Very fun. Very fun and interesting,” Andy said. Passing out stuff is always fun, Andy said. And “I love to see the people smile.”
Charlee Jenkins was there as part of a SNAP training program. Jackie Salas – well, actually Jackie was there for community service. But for both women the food bank turned into a positive experience.
“It’s actually really fun,” Charlee said. People from different backgrounds, different organizations, working together to help others. “The community comes together, you know? Helps out,” Charlee said.
“I might do this next year, even if I’m not in trouble,” Jackie said.
Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at education@columbiabasinherald.com.