Comments on: Holiday drives to benefit Ballard Food Bank http://www.myballard.com/2009/11/04/holiday-drives-to-benefit-ballard-food-bank/ News, events and restaurant guide for Seattle's Ballard neighborhood Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:13:00 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: marywit http://www.myballard.com/2009/11/04/holiday-drives-to-benefit-ballard-food-bank/comment-page-1/#comment-14979 marywit Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:43:20 +0000 http://www.myballard.com/?p=12892#comment-14979 October saw between 4,000 and 5,000 people come through the little wooden building that houses the Ballard Food Bank. The numbers are particularly staggering when you consider that food distribution is only two days per week, and the clothing-hygiene section is open three. I've been volunteering there since last spring, while looking for work, and have seen the numbers increase nearly every week. <br><br>I'd just like to remind people that winter's a particularly hard time for the ever-increasing homeless and people struggling to hold on. Food, of course, is always needed. In addition to food, there is a real need for hygiene items and cold weather supplies. I'm not writing from any official position, and don't speak for anyone else, but here are some items, aside from food, that are always needed and in short supply:<br><br>Candles--people sleeping in cars, campers, outside, or without electricity need them for warmth and light. <br>Disposable razors,<br>Q-Tips<br>Deodorant<br>Shampoo/conditioner (we take partial bottles, too, use them to fill small bottles)<br>Trial size hygiene items, small enough to fit in backpacks <br>Toothpaste<br>Toothbrushes <br>Towels/washcloths<br>Hand soap<br>Laundry soap (we divide it up into smaller bags)<br>Aspirin, etc. <br>Cold medicine (no alcohol)<br>Vitamins <br>Socks (esp. men's)<br>Waterproof ponchos and clothing<br>Sleeping bags/blankets<br>Gloves, hats<br>Pet food<br><br>I am constantly amazed and profoundly touched by the compassion shown by our community. Thank you. October saw between 4,000 and 5,000 people come through the little wooden building that houses the Ballard Food Bank. The numbers are particularly staggering when you consider that food distribution is only two days per week, and the clothing-hygiene section is open three. I've been volunteering there since last spring, while looking for work, and have seen the numbers increase nearly every week.

I'd just like to remind people that winter's a particularly hard time for the ever-increasing homeless and people struggling to hold on. Food, of course, is always needed. In addition to food, there is a real need for hygiene items and cold weather supplies. I'm not writing from any official position, and don't speak for anyone else, but here are some items, aside from food, that are always needed and in short supply:

Candles–people sleeping in cars, campers, outside, or without electricity need them for warmth and light.
Disposable razors,
Q-Tips
Deodorant
Shampoo/conditioner (we take partial bottles, too, use them to fill small bottles)
Trial size hygiene items, small enough to fit in backpacks
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Towels/washcloths
Hand soap
Laundry soap (we divide it up into smaller bags)
Aspirin, etc.
Cold medicine (no alcohol)
Vitamins
Socks (esp. men's)
Waterproof ponchos and clothing
Sleeping bags/blankets
Gloves, hats
Pet food

I am constantly amazed and profoundly touched by the compassion shown by our community. Thank you.

]]> By: whittiermom http://www.myballard.com/2009/11/04/holiday-drives-to-benefit-ballard-food-bank/comment-page-1/#comment-14978 whittiermom Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:03:05 +0000 http://www.myballard.com/?p=12892#comment-14978 Whittier Elementary, one of the "holiday" locations shown in green is accepting donations for the next two weeks. The food drive is a great way to teach the students about giving back to our community! Whittier Elementary, one of the “holiday” locations shown in green is accepting donations for the next two weeks. The food drive is a great way to teach the students about giving back to our community!

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