PORT TOWNSEND — Three hundred turkeys and 300 bags of potatoes were delivered to the Port Townsend Food Bank on Monday morning in what has become an annual donation by Arrow Lumber & Hardware.
“This is the third year that Arrow Lumber has made Thanksgiving possible for the Port Townsend community with their wonderful donations of food,” said Food Bank Director Shirley Moss.
The turkeys, weighing 10 to 15 pounds each and stored four to a box, are now in the food bank’s office in the Mountain View Community Center, 1919 Blaine St., and will be distributed on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving.
Moss said that Wednesday “will be like every other day at the food bank” in that people need to line up before picking up their food.
The food distribution is open to anyone who needs the food with no proof required.
The difference in this distribution is that it will start a little earlier than usual — at 10:30 a.m. instead of 11 a.m. — and it probably will be a lot more crowded than usual.
Those needing food have to sign up first and the sign-up sheet will be available as soon as the volunteer arrives a little after 6 a.m.
Moss said she expects “there will be enough turkeys for everyone who needs one” but predicts all of the birds will be given away.
Aside from turkey and potatoes, the food bank has produce, fruit and everything else needed for a seasonal meal.
Arrow Lumber has six locations throughout Washington state. It opened its Port Townsend store at on 8457 state Highway 20 in 2008.
Arrow employee Billy McMillen, who delivered the food on a flatbed truck, credited company owner Barney Wagner with the generous company policy.
The company gives away about 1,600 turkeys a year in 12 different locations, including food banks, churches and community centers.
McMillen said the company has been donating turkeys for about seven years.
Usually, he just drops them off.
In some cases, he has handed the turkeys to food bank patrons.
“That is a lot different,” he said.
“When you give it to someone, it makes you feel great.
“A lot of people really need this.”
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
