MARYSVILLE — With the holidays just around the corner, volunteers are kicking off Operation Marysville Community Christmas, celebrating a 23-year tradition of neighbor helping neighbor through distribution of Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday food baskets and toys to families in need.
OMCC, a group of volunteers who serve within the Marysville Community Food Bank, are registering families now for Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets and toys, so don’t miss out. Recipients can register every day of the week except Wednesday and Sunday at the food bank between the hours of 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. The food bank is located at 6518 60th Drive NE, directly north of the Marysville/North County YMCA.
Volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks. If you wish to help, please call the food bank at 360-658-1054.
OMCC officially kicked off its efforts with the All City Food Drive on Saturday, Nov. 1, when the familiar Christmas red giving barrels were placed at entrances and lobbies in more than 50 participating grocers, businesses, public buildings and places of worship. Various volunteer organizations will be stationed at some of the sites to encourage donating, and to share information about OMCC.
In addition, watch for the “Toys for Tots” together with OMCC “Filling the needs of the Community” banners around town for food and toy collections throughout the holiday season.
Individuals who wish to donate non-perishable food items, unused toys, stocking stuffers, cash cards, candy or wrapping materials are welcome to drop them by the food bank between 8-11 a.m. every day except Wednesday and Sunday.
OMCC Volunteer Sue Kendall emphasizes that donations and gifts will go directly to families in the community. “What you give here, stays here. That’s the real difference your donation or gift has made in seasons past and present. With the shape the economy is in, it is even harder for families in the most need to make ends meet.”
Various area service organizations formed OMCC in 1985 to provide needy families with food and toys at Christmas time, with Thanksgiving baskets added soon after. In its first year, 104 families were served, compared with the more than 700 families and 1,200 children served today. In 1993, OMCC partnered directly with the food bank as an ad hoc committee.
The food bank serves residents in the 98270 and 98271 zip codes.
Important Dates to Remember
Thanksgiving Food Basket Distribution
Nov. 22, 24 and 25
Christmas Food Basket Distribution
Dec. 20, 22 and 23
Toy Store:
Dec. 18, 19 and 20
If you would like to volunteer or need more information, please call the food bank at 360-658-1054.
