It takes a community to fight hunger and food insecurity, especially during this time of crisis when so many people are affected.

Good Cheer’s Board and staff want to thank everyone for their support over the last few months as we worked to adapt to the changes and meet the increased need for access to food as so many of us have been affected by Covid-19.

This Wall of Gratitude is by no means complete, but it is a start, and one way we can say thank you to the many people and local organizations who have gone above and beyond to support the Food Bank during this time. (To open a post, just click on its title.)

 

Thank you Clyde Theatre for your Magic Jar Donations!

While The Clyde remains closed to help protect the public health, they are working with their wonderful partners to create a virtual Magic Change Jar.  We thank the Willefords for their generosity and pass this information along on yet another way to help. 

As the patrons of The Clyde know, there is a mason jar on the candy counter labeled “The Magic Change Jar.” Every two months a South Whidbey nonprofit receives the change that patrons put in that jar. What makes it Magic is that five partners match that change (up to $250) and one dollar donated magically becomes $6.

During the 10 weeks before The Clyde closed, the patrons donated a record $590 originally meant for Hearts and Hammers. With the agreement of H & H, the partners chose to send the resulting $1,840 to Good Cheer due to the dramatic need for food support for our neighbors.

In order to continue that support while The Clyde is closed, the five partners have decided to establish a “virtual” MCJ. Island Athletic Club, The Assembly of God Church, Kevin Lungren at Edward Jones Investments and Mary Jane Lundgren at Saratoga Dental, Richard Epstein Construction, and The Clyde Theatre will match, up to $250 each, every dollar that the citizens of South Whidbey donate.

Please send checks made out to Good Cheer to Magic Change Jar, POB 199 Langley WA, 98260. If you are young and think that checks are a quaint relic of the past, you may mail small amounts of cash to that address or put the cash in an envelope and slide it into the box office at The Clyde.

If any individuals or businesses want to “partner up” in this time of need, please contact Blake at 360-969-9509. We’ll be sure that you get recognized in our next update.

Thank you Whidbey DIY mask makers!

Good Cheer salutes all the Whidbey Do-It-Yourselfer mask makers who are making and distributing masks  for donations to several Island nonprofits, including Good Cheer Food Bank.

After last Friday’s drive-thru distribution at Trinity Lutheran Church’s parking lot, another donation to the Food Bank was made totaling more than $8,000 donated so far to Good Cheer. The volunteer group distributes masks by donation at many places on Whidbey, including at our Ken’s Corner Thrift Store.

For more information, visit their Facebook page about volunteers and upcoming curbside distribution.

https://www.facebook.com/Whidbey-DIYers-107384720969315/

 

Freeland Country Store and Skagit Farmers Supply

The South Whidbey Community comes through again for Good Cheer!

Donations by customers at the Freeland Country Store were more than matched by the Skagit Farmers Supply coop and a big check presented to Karen, Good Cheer Food Bank Manager, by Dwain and his team. Thank you!

 

Thankful for gifts both big and small…

At Good Cheer Food Bank, we are grateful for all-sizes of donations from all ages of people.

Jenifer Jacoby Lahiff wrote on our Facebook page recently: “My 4 year old just donated the contents of her piggy bank to Good Cheer ? $24.14 She said she hopes that someone will be able to buy apples, grapes, carrots, and pears.”

Jennifer, please assure your daughter that the content of her piggybank was appreciated and helped provide fresh produce to help keep Food Bank recipients healthy and strong.  Thank you for raising a daughter with such a generous and caring spirit.

 

A Shout-Out to David and Holly Price of Edit…

We love the innovative ways South Whidbey artists and business owners have of raising funds to support Good Cheer Food Bank.

David and Holly Price of Edit in Langley are sending 20 percent of proceeds from artwork sold via their website and Facebook page through May 4 (and possibly beyond).

“Having people go hungry in our community is simply not okay,” said Holly. “So David and I thought this miight be a good way to help our community Food Bank while also helping our small business ‘keep the lights on.’ “

So far, $1,350 had been raised for Good Cheer.  Thank you, Holly and David.

The website link is: https://www.editwhidbey.com

 

 

Thank you Purple Trowel

Thank you, Purple Trowel owners Cindy Willson and Gary Barnes who are donating 60% from the sale of their handmade, unique birdhouses to Good Cheer Food Bank.

Help your avian friends and your community when you purchase one of these incredible birdhouses. 60% of all proceeds come straight to Good Cheer to help keep the food bank open and serving those struggling on South Whidbey. 

$120 includes shipping with a heaping portion of love to help feed the hungry in Whidbey Island, Washington.

Visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/thepurpletrowel/?tn-str=k*F

 

 

A shout-out to The Goose Community Grocer…

Looking for a way to help, but don’t have extra cash? Here’s one! You can donate your rewards points to Good Cheer or Senior Resources – those points turn into gift cards that can be used at the Goose.

The Goose isn’t just a great store – it’s part of the Goosefoot organization, which provides support to many, many South Whidbey non-profits. So show them love by shopping at the Goose!

A Shout-Out to Trinity Lutheran Church

We are thankful for the ongoing support of our local churches for donations, food drives, and volunteers. This shout-out is to the congregation of Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeland. Thank you!