Helpline helped because of you

On behalf of all of us at the South Kitsap Helpline, I would like to extend our thanks to the people in South Kitsap and surrounding communities for their generosity over the holidays of 2010.

With your help, our food bank was able to meet the needs of all of those in crisis who utilized our agency’s services.

For the months of November and December alone, our food bank provided groceries and holiday turkey meal baskets to 13,271 local individuals, an all-time high for our agency.

That was only possible because of all of the generous donations we received.

In addition, 1,254 local children ages 0-16 received new toys and gifts as well as stocking stuffers through our Santa’s Toy Shop program held on Dec. 21 and 22 to help local children in need.

So many wonderful people helped to make these holiday events possible.

We had great volunteers who helped with planning, organization and direct service to food bank clients as well as countless businesses, churches, schools, civic organizations and individuals who contributed by donating funds, food and new toys and gifts.

I would like to especially thank the Port Orchard Armory for generously loaning us the use of their building for both Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

I would like to give a special thanks to the Port Orchard Eagles for all of their efforts.

They donated the majority of our funding for our toy program, helped to purchase new toys on their own and picked up and delivered all of the donated gifts from various giving tree locations throughout the community.

They are wonderful partners who help our agency in so many ways.

Again, many thanks to all who contributed so much to make a difference in the lives of so many children, adults and seniors in crisis this holiday season.

We’re very grateful to each and every person who helped.

JENNIFER HARDISON

executive director,

SK Helpline

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