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Once a week for the past 10 years, Deloris Christopher has set up shop in a
room at the Valley Food Bank.
Christopher's role as a volunteer is to
organize the donations of bread and pastries that arrive daily from local grocery
stores like Safeway, Rosauers and Albertson's. The items are neatly organized
in bags that find their way into the lobby of the food bank,
Each Wednesday
is distribution day, a designated time during which local residents show up at
the building at 10184 E. Broadway, directly across from the Spokane Valley Community
Center, to stock their shelves with nutrition. Between 120 to 200 individuals
and families are served every week.
This month, the food bank has distributed
over 72,000 pounds of food, helped in large part by community drives and donations
that have galvanized the organization's efforts.
For Christopher, the
holiday distributions last Wednesday and Thursday were special - almost 700 residents
were served over the two-day period - but no more important than the work that
the food bank does throughout the year.
"It can be anytime,"
Christopher said.
While supplies were plentiful for the most part, the
turkey count begin to run a little low by Thursday afternoon, according to Barbara
Bennett, director of the food bank. It was then, however, that a woman showed
up to donate two turkeys. Minutes later, representatives from Zion Lutheran Church
dropped by with another five. Shortly after, a local family arrived with 31 turkeys
for the cause.
"It was a real rewarding experience," Bennett
said. "The last family here got a turkey."
Another neighbor,
New Life Assembly of God, brought by more turkeys around 5 p.m., part of a project
in which groups from the church were assigned to various service projects. Steve
Williams, New Life senior pastor, said the food bank and the community center
continue to provide a valuable service.
"It's just a reflection
of who we serve," Williams said. "They just do a tremendous job."
A
number of local businesses also made a commitment to the food bank this year including
Barnes and Noble which ran a book drive to benefit individuals and families that
utilize the service.
"They called and said, 'We don't have food,
but we have books - how can we help?'" Bennett said.
Central Valley
wrapped up its annual food drive on Nov. 22 with proceeds going toward Second
Harvest and Valley food banks. This year, CVHS students collected 65,920 pounds
of food, nearly 16,000 pounds over the initial goal of 50,000. One student, Bob
Plumb, donated 168 pounds of food - the total amount of weight he has lost over
the past year. Freeman and East Valley school districts also sponsored drives
that benefited the food bank.
Bennett, who has worked at the food bank
for the past 13 years, said those who donate time or food to the cause gain increased
appreciation for the many circumstances that bring people to the site on Broadway.
"If
you go to the same places and do the same things, you'll never realize there are
people in need," Bennett said.
Bennett added that volunteers "always
treat people with dignity." Those who utilize the services, she said, are
also put in contact with other helpful resources throughout the community.
"We
always say, "Treat others how you'd like to be treated,'" Bennett said.
Some volunteers work with directly with people who benefit from the
food bank, others help with picking up food, stocking items or tackling inventory.
Christopher tells the story of one elderly woman who stopped by in
need of produce and a listening ear. After recommending the apples, onions and
potatoes, Christopher gave the woman a hug and some words of encouragement.
"She
just sobbed her heart out," Christopher said. "These are the reasons
you keep volunteering."
Spokane Valley City Council Member Gary
Schimmels said the food bank and the community center serve a valuable purpose
in helping residents get back on their feet.
"They do an exceptional
job," Schimmels said. "This is probably the first stop for a lot of
people."
Some residents converted holiday celebrations into service
projects that supported the food bank and other causes. Bennett described how
one woman decided to have guests bring donations to the food bank - instead of
presents - to an annual Christmas party.
"The community was very
generous," Bennett said. "There was definitely a lot of spirit this
year." Want to find out more? The Spokane Valley Community
Center and Valley Food Bank is located at 10814 E. Broadway and can be reached
by calling 928-7769. The community center can be contacted at 927-1153. Their
website is
www.spokanevalleycommunitycenter.org
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By
Craig Howard
