May 13, 2021

We end the week with a very busy day and another day of sunshine. The morning was still crisp until about 11:00am, but then the sun came out to warm things up. The afternoon was just perfect, with even a warm breeze. The morning was quite calm, with a steady flow of people dropping off all sorts of groceries, pantry, and hygiene items. Thank you, everyone! The afternoon had families lining up deep to begin and then keeping up a steady pace all afternoon. The line didn’t go away totally one time. The last person finished right at 3:30pm. Lots of food and pantry items went home today. Such a nice day.

Groceries today were provided by Doxa, Highland Covenant, Victory Court, Lighthouse, Sacred Heart School and Parish, First United Methodist, Overlake Park Presbyterian, Crossroads Bible, and Bellevue Presbyterian churches, as well as Bellevue Rotary Sunrise, Champions Foundation, and the Jubilee Friends group. A total of 183 orders came in today and all went out to families, along with 45 carried over from yesterday. Thank you to everyone who donated today.

The morning crew was primarily from Sacred Heart Parish and all were returning veterans of the shift. They made it look easy, yet did a lot of work this morning. They received all the incoming deliveries, wrapped the pallets with ice/blankets, and packed around 80 food boxes with fresh produce. Thank you and well-done crew!

Two people filled the fish freezer with packs of tilapia and fresh trout. Wow! Thank you for this very specific gift. It is so helpful for certain families.

A donation of small quilts came in this morning through Overlake Park Presbyterian Church. We passed them out to women we saw in line who are pregnant or had an infant. Lots of smiles! Thank you.

A few updates and stories:

Lily took two boxes of sandwiches to downtown Seattle to pass them out to homeless people. She sent back a few pictures and this summary: “Today in the marketplace there were fewer people 😕. I went to Pioneer Park there weren't any homeless there. But there were waiting for some homeless on The Mision place. I talked to Kile is the person that is in charge of the donations. I realize that they do have a small kitchen and there were cooking hamburgers for the homeless. Even when he saw me and I told him that I brought some sandwiches he was happy 😊😋 even he gives me a hamburger too. He just told me to thank you for the sandwiches and they will give them away today. It was a beautiful and blessed day 🙏✨. I'm grateful to be part of this 🙏🙌✨”

Roger came through the line after learning of the upcoming changes to the program. He kiddingly asked, “What am I going to do on Thursdays now?” We all like him so much. For sure, they will come to talk to us. They have seven children and his wife recently lost her job, including their health insurance. This spring has not made their situation easier; it is much harder.

Arturo was here today, picking up food for him, his sister, and his mom. They live separately but share the food. He told us his sister was in a serious car accident last week, which broke her sternum from the impact with the airbags. The car is totaled, and she spent a day in the hospital. They haven’t told their 81-year-old mother yet, because she suffers from heart issues and is supposed to remain calm, which is hard because she worries about everything. They plan to tell her tonight. We prayed with him in the parking lot. We also gave him a bouquet of tulips and a nice box of chocolates for his sister, and another box of chocolates for his mom. He said they will be happy.

A young man named Miguel came today. In the past, he would come with his mom, but we haven’t seen him in quite a while. He looked completely different – so fit, trim and slender. He lost 125 pounds, from 320 to 195. He said diabetes was starting to cause him serious health issues, so he changed his diet, eating habits and started exercising regularly. His health is now stable. Good for him.

As first shared yesterday…We’re pleased to provide you an update on ‘Groceries for Families’ and the transition coming from the current phase 2 to phase 3, beginning in July. Attached is the letter (English & Spanish) which is being given to families, beginning yesterday. In it, you’ll read we are clearly anticipating a change in the program, yet fully inviting all families who continue to need support to stay in a relationship with us. Through these relational conversations, we expect the structure and scope of the next phase to become clearer by June 11. Additional details are being shared with the primary contacts of all participating partners.

Thank you for another great week of ‘Groceries for Families’. Please keep these families and this program in your prayers. Tomorrow will be the first day for people to come in for a conversation.

Have a great weekend,

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

Groceries for Families: Week 59 - Day 3

Groceries for Families: Week 60 - Day 1

Groceries for Families: Week 59 - Day 2