Thanksgiving meal donations: Feeding families in Federal Way

November 13, 2009 2:19 pm
An assortment of Thanksgiving-related food items that are in need.
An assortment of Thanksgiving-related food items that are in need.

Federal Way Food Bank seeks donations

Multi-Service Center (MSC) hopes to help more than 1,300 households have an enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday this year with the annual holiday food giveaway at the Federal Way Food Bank. During the week of Thanksgiving, the food bank will give out ingredients typically found in a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

Customers have already scheduled appointments to pick up their Thanksgiving food on Nov. 23, 24 and 25. While MSC purchases extra food for Thanksgiving, the food bank does rely on help from the community to supplement these purchases. The following items are needed:

• Small frozen turkeys or turkey hindquarters

• Potatoes and onions

• Canned cranberry sauce

• Canned vegetables and yams

• Olives

• Dessert mixes

• Rolls and butter

Donations of any size are welcome, and can be brought to the food bank warehouse (1200 S. 336th St.) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Items donated up until mid-day Nov. 25 will be given to people for Thanksgiving. Non-holiday food donations are always welcome.

Extra volunteers are also needed beginning next week to help sort and ready donations for distribution. The Federal Way Food Bank serves approximately 13,000 Federal Way residents a year with supplemental and emergency food. Since 1971, MSC has helped lift people from crisis and vulnerability to self-sufficiency and stability through comprehensive programs in education, employment, housing, energy assistance, clothing, food and more. To learn more, contact Terri Turner at (253) 838-6810.

Community Big Give

The Community Big Give provided food for a complete turkey dinner last year to 500 households.

“We want to give all the fixings for a complete turkey dinner to 300 households in Federal Way and 500 households in Auburn,” said Pastor Dorene Heeter of Northwest Family Church. “The need is great and this is one way we can make the holiday season brighter for some families.”

This year’s effort includes the Federal Way TOP Food & Drug and Christian Faith Center of Federal Way.

Each recipient will receive, on average, a 14-pound turkey, stuffing mix, potatoes, vegetables, cranberry sauce, fruit cocktail, pumpkin pie filling, a gravy packet and biscuit mix, and a reusable durable shopping tote.

The turkey meals will be distributed from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, on a first-come, first-served basis at the TOP Food & Drug stores in Federal Way and Auburn. No proof of need or income is required, but meals will be limited to one per household among those in line. To donate or learn more, call (253) 833-8252 or visit www.CommunityBigGive.com.

Sylvan Learning Center

Sylvan Learning Center, 32717 1st Ave. S., is collecting food for local families in need of a Thanksgiving dinner. Items will be delivered to local schools on Nov. 24. Call Morgan Griffith: (253) 838-0507.

Yoga food drive

Three Trees Yoga will be hosting a food drive and open house for co-owner Jeni Martinez’s 50th birthday. Her birthday wish was to fill up Federal Way’s Food Bank before the holidays. Three Trees will host a donation-only yoga class at 9 a.m. Nov. 21. To register, call (253) 815-9642.