Week 20 and the month of August opened on a very smooth note today, with lots of AM & PM activity. The morning had 8 different groups coming by Jubilee, dropping off groceries and pantry items. Extra food from two grocery stores also came today. The afternoon had a steady pace of families, which was great to see since this same group had poor attendance last Thursday. The weather was perfectly cool until the sun came out about 12:00pm and warmed up the afternoon. All is well here!

Groceries today came from Sacred Heart, Lighthouse, Bellevue Presbyterian, Rain City, 24-Seven, Bellevue Christian Reformed and Common Good churches, as well as the Jubilee Friends group. A total of 120 orders came in and all went out to families today, including 27 by delivery. Thank you to all who participated today!

The market and exit tables were nicely full today with many donations from individuals,

Holy Cross Lutheran gardeners, King County Master Gardeners, the QFC Crossroads, and Safeway Thrasher’s corner.

Here’s a quick list: fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, fresh herbs, bakery, desserts, yogurt, salads, canned goods, and more.

Thank you to everyone who made this possible!

Personal hygiene items were offered today, which happens each first half of the week.

Families could choose three items from a list of bar soap, toothpaste, paper towels, deodorant, shaving razor/cream, shampoo, and dish soap.

Today, families could also choose all-purpose cleaning spray or 1 extra roll of TP.

Thank you to everyone who helped fill the pantry so nicely.

The food truck will be this Friday from 4-7pm. It is a new one “Ay Guey!”, Mexican food. Plan to come!

A personal thought from Ken:

For sure, there are many families in this program who truly needed help before the coronavirus crisis pushed them further over the edge. These families certainly receive help through the school district, city, and some organizations. However, they often remain in the shadows, as the rest of society goes about life. They are unseen by most, yet they live right here in the community. I’ve come to feel this crisis is actually somewhat of a benefit for these families. Because literally everyone is in the same crisis, these families suddenly have the attention of many, many people. This includes Jubilee REACH, churches, organizations, the government, and other community residents. Now they are seen. Now they are receiving help to really sustain them. Now they are cared for by multiple angles. These are lovely people, with real stories and real lives. The hope is through these new and deepened relationships, these families can not just continue to get the daily support they need, but also helped to reach a place where they can be self-supporting in all ways. Teach a person to fish, not just give them a fish – as it is said. Plus, they can feel loved, through it all. I feel in my heart this can be done and is already in motion to change the culture around us. It feels so good to see this happening. I just wanted to share this with you, as it has been on my mind. Getting off the soapbox now. Thanks

Thank you to everyone who responded to the call for baby wipes as our biggest need. The stack of wipes is steadily growing from being nearly depleted. Along with the wipes, the top need items now are size 5 diapers and toilet paper. Thank you!

We begin this week with 430 families in the ‘Groceries for Families’ program and another 60 on the waiting list. With King Country stuck in phase 2, many of these families also remain stuck. We are committed to staying alongside of them and are so grateful for all the continued support provided to them by all of you. Wonderful. Thank you!

Have a great evening,

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

Groceries for Families: Week 20 - Day 1

Groceries for Families: Week 20 - Day 2

Groceries for Families: Week 19 - Day 6