North Whidbey Help House, which was chartered on July 7, 1977, is the food bank that feeds those in need from Deception Pass to Greenbank. We are a community-based, non-profit organization that receives over 70 percent of our operating budget from private donations.

During the holidays, we distributed 1,013 food baskets that fed 3,591 people. We also “adopted” 96 families to groups who wanted to give people a little extra for the holidays. We could not accomplish such a feat without the many volunteers from NAS Whidbey, the Aviation Ordnance Association and other individuals who donated 692 hours of time to help us prepare and distribute those baskets.

Special thanks to the employees of Upchurch Scientific, North Whidbey Sportsman Association, Armed Services YMCA for donations received through the Woman’s Day Holiday Gift Fund, and to the many schools and businesses that had food drives.

A heartfelt thanks to Scott, the employee at Saar’s Marketplace, and the very generous people who donated over 600 gift certificates for holiday food baskets. This project cut the cost of our turkey purchases for both Thanksgiving and Christmas in half. And, to the literally hundreds of others who donated through civic and social organizations, various businesses in town, churches and as individuals, words can never express our gratitude.

In 2006, we gave out 6,207 food baskets that fed 16,027 people and were able to assist 154 people through the Salvation Army Prescription Voucher program. As you can see, hunger isn’t only around during the holidays — it’s here 365 days a year.

Your donation during the holidays help to restock our warehouse for the coming year. Help House has been fortunate in that we have never had to close our doors because of a lack of supplies. It is only because of the wonderful people in our community that we are able to accomplish our mission — feeding those in need.

Thank you!

Jean T. Wieman

Executive director