Holiday giving is already under way in Federal Way

There are many Federal Way organizations that are putting together food, resources, toys and more — and it is not too late to give.

By Keelin Everly-Lang • November 19, 2023 7:30 am

In a pep talk to volunteers before the Multi-Service Center Food Bank opened their doors, Steven Curry told volunteers to try to “brighten their day not only with the food, but also with your smiles.”

The Multi-Service Center is gathering donations for its annual holiday food giveaway. The food bank is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 1200 South 336th St.

Volunteer Shelly Rumpf said she’s been using the food bank for 15 years and still does, but started volunteering two months ago.

“This is just one of the best places in the world,” she told The Mirror. “Everyone is so friendly and kind.”

She greeted each person with warmth, adding a “Hey sweetie” and making sure that everyone got what they needed, even those with language barriers or trouble communicating.

Denise Ward has been volunteering twice a week for two years and said they are always looking for more volunteers.

The Multi-Service Center is not the only place in Federal Way that is bringing community members together to share resources. There are many different organizations that are putting together food, resources, toys and more — and it is not too late to give.

Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / The Mirror The community of Federal Way donated multiple tons of food through their annual food drive in partnership with Waste Management. Now non perishable foods have added to the store of food to give to the community at MSC.

Featured donation opportunities and celebrations of recent drives:

Basket of Love

The Fourth Annual Basket of Love is happening on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at 1632 Southwest Dash Point Road. Phenomenal She, Marvin Thomas Memorial Fund, and Game of Life join forces to make this holiday season special for those in need.

We <3 Federal Way

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 19, you can drop off a frozen turkey at Family Life Community Church located at 1925 South 341st Place in Federal Way. All donations will be distributed to local food banks and the Federal Way Veterans Center.

Federal Way Black Collective

The group gathered food and clothing donations in bins at the Federal Way Library on 320th Street. The drive ran from Nov. 1-17. Learn more about the group by emailing fwblackcollective@gmail.com.

Federal Way Cares for Kids

This annual toy and gift card drive is accepting donations now. They are accepting unwrapped toy donations for ages 3 to 11 and $25 gift cards for teens to Amazon, Target and Walmart. Monetary donations can also be made through their website. Physical donations can be dropped off at any South King Fire station or at partner locations, which can be found at www.fwcaresforkids.org/who-we-are.

Federal Way Cares for Kids is a nonprofit that coordinates the talents, resources, and skills of local organizations and individuals to maximize support received by kids and families served by Federal Way schools.

South King Fire

Give back and enjoy the holidays by sharing non-perishable food donations through South King Fire’s Santa Parades and Canned Food Drive. The Santa Parades will take place on December 11, 18 and 19 in Federal Way from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Additional parades will be in Des Moines.

South King Fire said that they have “lit up the streets with Santa Parades to spread cheer and support our community” since 2020. The donated foods will be distributed to community members through food banks.