SMOKEY POINT — The Marysville and Arlington food banks received thousands of pounds of donations during the annual Letter Carriers’ Food Drive May 14, but even more is needed.
Dell Deierling, president of the food bank in Marysville, reported that his 20 volunteers, including cadets of the Marysville Naval Junior ROTC, worked between five to 12 hours to collect, sort and deliver 21,357 pounds.
Although that is down from last year about 2,000 pounds, Deierling expects another 2,700 pounds of residual donations to come in.
“Our sorting team will be busy for many weeks, so it will be some time before we have a handle on what we got and what we need,” Deierling said. “I can tell you that common needs that will likely continue is for tuna, reduced sugar fruits and gluten free foods.”
Deierling was heartened by the “big smiles” on the faces of those who drove out to collect the yellow bags of food, when they returned to the Marysville Post Office. “The back ends of their vehicles were practically dragging on the ground from the loads,” Deierling said.
Deierling encouraged those who still wish to contribute to participate in the Grocery Outlet’s “Independence From Hunger” food drive in July, when shoppers will be able to donate food and funds to the food bank.
“Volunteers are needed for the big shopping days to hand out fliers and encourage support of the food bank,” Deierling said.
“This activity makes a huge difference in the amount of donations we receive.”
Deierling expects the food collected from the Letter Carriers’ drive to last through the summer.
“We experienced a large drop in donations through this year’s drive, at a time when we are seeing the need for help increase,” Deierling said.
“With a recent change in food assistance benefits, we are experiencing a seven-percent increase in the number of families needing help with food.”
Donations can be sent to: Marysville Community Food Bank, P.O. Box 917, Marysville, WA 98270, or dropped off at the Marysville Community Food Bank at 4150 88th St. NE.
In Arlington, Leah Robinson reported that the food bank saw close to two dozen volunteers — including students and staff from Arlington schools, plus Boy Scouts from Lakewood — finish weighing an estimated 20,000 pounds.
Robinson would still welcome donations of canned vegetables, soup and chili, as well as more volunteers for the food bank’s weekly operations, but she’s thankful for what they received.
“Our community is amazing,” Robinson said. “Every year we have more food donated and more volunteers helping out.”
Robinson encouraged families to contribute to the “Hungry Games” that Arlington’s middle and high schools and library will conduct June 20.
