What was expected as the rain turned out to be a warm, sunny day with just an early and late spit of moisture. Overall, it would be hard to call this anything other than a nice day. For sure, though, it was humid, and the crew worked up a quick sweat with all the lifting today. Lots of deliveries came in during the morning, including groceries, extra foods, diapers, and pantry items. Families came steadily all afternoon, although Thursday is typically the slowest day of the week. Add it all up, and it was a great day, #130.

Groceries today came from Sacred Heart, Kalos, Overlake Park Presbyterian, Redeemer, Bellevue Presbyterian, First United Methodist, and Doxa churches, as well as the Jubilee Friends group. A total of 129 orders came in and all but eight went out to families today, including 24 by delivery. The remaining eight will carry over tomorrow, which will be a very busy day. Thank you to everyone who participated today!

Eastside Baby Corner provided delivery of diapers today.

This organization in Issaquah has been a vital partner since the spring and provides a weekly delivery of needed diapers to help fill the inventory.

As a long time pillar of the community, EBC has a goal of helping the future of children by meeting their basic needs today.

It aligns perfectly with the ‘Groceries for Families’ program, and we’re blessed to be in a relationship with them. Thank you!

The Jubilee REACH Thrift Store truck made an early visit to Farmer Frog in Woodinville to pick up extra foods.

Jason (General Manager, Jubilee REACH Thrift Store) and his two sons arrived at the Jubilee REACH Center about 10am with a full load, which they muscled out of the truck, so the crew could unpack it into the building.

What we thought were going to be a few apple crates turned out to be two large wooden bins filled with Honeycrisp apples.

Onions, potatoes, and dairy products rounded it out.

A lot of it went out to families today. Thank you Farmer Frog and Jason & sons!

The food truck is here now. It’s great to look out the window and see families arriving for a tasty dinner.
Thank you BelPres for sponsoring it tonight.

A few stories from Ken:

Here’s a quick update on the Tanzanian family we connected to first last week. They are doing well and have been grateful for the food provided to them. Daniel spoke to the father today, and his “smile could be felt through the phone.” Daniel will visit them again tomorrow with food and has invited me to join him. We’ll see where this relationship goes. A few of you have responded about the bikes, and we’re anxious to see that come together. Thank you! More to come.
One thing that’s great about the food truck is it often brings out other members of the family, who don’t normally come to pick up groceries. This evening I chatted with one family, in particular. The mom and daughter come twice a week, always together. I love it when they come. They are very polite and talkative, while also silly and laughed a lot. The mom ALWAYS wears Cougar gear and usually a coat, even in the warmest weather. The daughter ALWAYS wears Husky gear and usually shorts, even in the coldest weather. They are simply delightful. Tonight I met the father and younger brother. It was very nice to chat with them about simple things, while they waited for dinner. Such a sweet family. It helps me remember there are many other family members at home, who we don’t get to see but are a part of this community of Jubilee REACH.

Thank you for another great day. Randy (Executive Director, Jubilee REACH) asked tonight how our day was today. Honestly, days around here are measured in 8’s, 9’s, and 10’s. They are all good. Thank you for helping make that possible. Your devotion to these families is working and matters so much.

Have a great evening,

Ken Carpenter
Service Coordinator, Jubilee REACH
On behalf of the Jubilee family

Groceries for Families: Week 22 - Day 4

Groceries for Families: Week 22 - Day 5

Groceries for Families: Week 22 - Day 3