The final day for families this week ended on a high note, with all things clicking very well. Even the weather cooperated today, although hands were cold as the temperature steadily drops. At least it was dry. Many shoppers came early today, with the tables full by 9:00am. Wow! Lots of groceries and pantry items came in today. The Thursday families are always slow to arrive, so only about 30 were in line at opening time. But they steadily came all afternoon and seemed to be in good spirits.

Groceries today came from Sacred Heart (school & parish), Overlake Park Presbyterian, Lighthouse, Bellevue Presbyterian, First United Methodist, Doxa, Highland Covenant and Crossroads Bible churches, as well as the Rotary Bellevue Sunrise and Jubilee Friends group. A total of 170 orders came in an all but 10 went out to families today. Thank you to everyone who donated today!

Sysco was right on time with the food box delivery at 9:30am. By 10:30, the pallets were in place and the AM volunteers were busy packing boxes. It was great to have this group serving this morning. Together, they got so much done, preparing the place for families in the afternoon. Thank you!

The market was nice and full today with a good variety. Milk, grapefruit, and corn remained from yesterday. Cascadia Produce called again to offer fresh cucumbers and romaine lettuce, so we sent a vehicle to Auburn this morning at 9am. Thank you, Sam! Volunteers dropped off food from the QFC Crossroads. Thank you for all these extras.

Here's a quick shout out to all of you who specifically support the pet portion of this program. The donations of dog food, cat food, and cat litter are certainly given with love. We’ve followed Seattle Humane in their efforts to keep pets in their homes, as people struggle to afford supplies. Pets offer companionship, love, and comfort to many people. Your support allows people to literally keep their pets and not have to choose food over their pets. Thank you!

As introduced in yesterday’s email, Friday, October 30 will be “Trunk or Treat”, inviting all the families to come to celebrate Halloween safely. We’re asking shoppers to include bags of candy with their groceries next week, which will go out to all the kids. Thank you in advance

A story to share:

Speaking to a family in line yesterday, they shared how life is right now with two parents and three school-age children. The mom has kept her employment at a senior living home, which pays little but is at least some income. The dad used to drive the green & white vehicles for Microsoft but has been without work since March. He is now the full-time parent helping the kids get through the online school. He said it is a blessing for him to be there to support the kids, as school isn’t easy for them. He longs to get back to work but has no idea when Microsoft will start using shuttles again. They are a very sweet family, which the entire crew enjoys seeing each week. This is a classic example of a family situation.

An email from a family today:

Hi, my family and I would like to thank Jubilee REACH for the help we got for providing my family and me with food. We are a family of 5 my husband, me, and our 3 kids. My husband was supposed to be back to work because of a work-related injury and he was supposed to be back to work in March but unfortunately, his company shut down due to covid-19, and a few months later his company decided to close it indefinitely. I was working but I lost my job. I have a daughter with a medical problem that I’m afraid to go to work because I don't want her to get sick. We were living off our funds but unfortunately, they ran out. We are struggling like every else. It’s really been stressful for us trying to find a way on how to pay rent or how to pay our bills. We are really thankful that Jubilee REACH can help us with food so our children won't go hungry. Thank you from my family

The USDA program which has been supplying the perishables foods since the end of September will be ending on October 31. There has been no extension, which had been widely expected, as it impacts organizations nationwide. It’s hard to know what is causing this decision. What this likely means is our current perishable food supply will end after next week. We have been watching this carefully and now are nearly certain this will happen. Currently, there is not another source which has surfaced. Please pray over this, as we are. A new source will need to be found to begin November 3. If you have any ideas or hear any response to your prayer, please reply or call. We are in full discernment right now. Please join us.

Looking ahead to next week, baby wipes remain the top pantry need-item. Close behind are paper towels and diapers (sizes 3,5,6).

We are so grateful to be in a relationship and partnership with you all in this ‘Groceries for Families’ program. Sustaining such a program is difficult and takes a concerted effort. This is true here inside Jubilee and is certainly true for all of you. Harder still, this is also true for the families. They are fighting to sustain their lives each day. Many rely on this program as the main source of support. Thank you for all you are doing to support them through your time, treasure, and efforts. Bless you all.

Enjoy the evening, wherever this note finds you,

Ken Carpenter
Director- Community Care, Jubilee REACH
On behalf of the Jubilee family

Groceries for Families: Week 30 - Day 3

Groceries for Families: Week 31 - Day 1

Groceries for Families: Week 30 - Day 2