In the past few weeks, there has been a staggering outpouring of support for South Kitsap Helpline, and the fantastic news is that all the depleted food supplies have not only been replenished but have been exceeded.
The deluge in the basement where the dry food supply was stored caused extensive damage and loss in early December. The Helpline leadership had deemed the basement a secure space for the dry food, but sadly, the precautions taken were not enough to safeguard the supplies.
However, the immediate response from the community to aid the agency’s recovery was truly remarkable. It remains uncertain whether it was due to a sense of obligation to help the local community or simply the festive spirit, but according to executive director Jennifer Hardison, the outreach was a genuine Christmas blessing.
The support has been overwhelming, with donations pouring in from various sources. In fact, the donations have more than compensated for the estimated loss of 20,000 pounds of food. Timberland Bank even presented Helpline with a generous £5,000 cheque, in addition to donations from other organisations, individuals, and neighbouring food banks.
What’s even more heartwarming is that some of the clients who rely on the food from Helpline have also contributed whatever little they had to assist in the effort. The spirit of giving has truly been infectious.
The community support also extended to students and teachers from South Kitsap High School, who joined forces to help with the cleanup efforts. The school district was also quick to rally for donations in the wake of the damage. It’s amazing to witness how everyone came together in a time of need.
It’s not just the immediate help that has been a boon to the agency, but also the increased awareness about its existence. According to Hardison, a lot more people now know about Helpline and the assistance it provides, especially those who might be in need of their services. Sometimes, the title of the agency doesn’t fully convey the breadth of its services, but with the recent outpouring of support, the word has definitely spread.
The entire event has been a testament to the incredible generosity and kindness of the community. This heartwarming story is a reminder of the good that exists in the world, and how people can come together to make a real difference. It’s a true testament to the spirit of giving and the power of community.