March 11, 2021

Week 50 ends on a very positive note. The early morning cold fog gave way to a lovely sunny day. Because the operation is set up on the north side of the building, which is in constant shade, and under canopies, the temperature stayed rather chilly most of the day. By the late afternoon, the warmth even found its way to the main area. Nice. Lots of people without jackets today. The morning shoppers streamed in with all sorts of groceries, pantry, and hygiene items. Thank you, everyone! It’s so great to see your happy faces. The families lined up early and kept a steady pace all afternoon. It felt a little slow but ended up being a normal Thursday.

Groceries today were provided by Rotary Bellevue Sunrise Club, Champions Foundation and Jubilee Friends group, as well as First United Methodist, Doxa, Victory Court, Lighthouse, Crossroads Bible, Highland Covenant, Overlake Park Presbyterian, Sacred Heart Parish & School, and Bellevue Presbyterian churches. A total of 208 orders came in today and all went out to families, along with 21 carried over from yesterday. Thank you to everyone who donated today.

The daily delivery of eggs from Costco came early in the fog this morning. Food box delivery came later around 10:00am. Fresh produced was purchased at Chef’s Store (formerly Cash & Carry) at 7am this morning. It all comes together in the end!

The AM volunteers were from Sacred Heart Parish today. This group of veteran volunteers has the system down and works quickly through the tasks. Incoming groceries were processed and 120 food boxes were packed. They did a great job. Thank you, crew!

We tested a 2nd insulation method for the food boxes today: moving blankets. You can see it in the photo to the left. Four blue blankets were wrapped tightly around a pallet of 48 boxes. We also used the bubble wrap next to it. At 3:15pm, all the boxes under both covers were very cold and the chicken still rocks solid. Success! We will be using the moving blankets starting next Tuesday for all five pallets. These are less fragile and easier to use than bubble wrap. Thank you, Jeff, for the engineering and testing.

Liz was today’s pinch-hitter for Denisse in the point position this afternoon. She wisely moved her table to a sunny spot and kept the operation moving along smoothly all afternoon. Thank you, Liz! Thank you, Daniel, Ashley, and Liz for covering for Denisse this week. She’ll be back Tuesday.

St. Monica Parish and El Dios Viviente Methodist Church both came late this afternoon to pick up the remaining food boxes and other items. They will be distributing it to other families in need. We’re blessed to be in partnership with both of these groups.

Fresh rosemary was brought, which came from the grounds of a local Bellevue School. It added a nice choice to the market. Thank you, Jean and Shawn.

A few updates:

You’ve been reading about Marcia (MAR-see-uh) a few times in the past weeks. She emailed this week that she had to go in for an emergency, yet minor, surgery at Overlake. We didn’t see her or her husband this week. No other details are known. Please keep her in your prayers.
Shahin is struggling emotionally, now almost two weeks after her husband died. The burial was last Friday. She has received the cards some of you have sent. Thank you. A few people have brought her meals. So, there are people caring for her. One of the people walking alongside her reassured her many people care about her family and are praying. She replied with this text: “Thanks so much for the prayers. I’m sure they do because I feel that in my heart.” Please continue to pray for them.
Erwin was here late this afternoon. He’s picking up some hours at a downtown restaurant, so comes late. The last update from his wife’s illness a few weeks ago was good news – no cancer or tuberculosis. She’s continuing to cough, although it seems to be getting less. They are working with doctors to figure out what is wrong. With cancer ruled out, the anxiety is less, but they need to get her well. Their next appointment is March 30 at Harborview. Please pray for them.

‘Groceries for Families’ continues to roll along at full steam. It’s hard to know what the future will hold. We’re watching many indicators to get a sense as to when families in the program will start to depart because they can support themselves. Guidelines from the CDC, State, County, and City are certainly key. Vaccines are important. Getting people back to work is likely the biggest catalyst, especially the restaurant and hotel industries, as well as business transportation, such as Microsoft. We’re watching things carefully.

Week 50 of ‘Groceries for Families’ is complete. March 23 will be one year. Thank you for all you are doing to support these sweet families.

Have a good weekend,

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

Groceries for Families: Week 50 - Day 3

Groceries for Families: Week 51 - Day 1

Groceries for Families: Week 50 - Day 2