PORT ANGELES — The Jace Memorial Everything But Food Drive begins today, with non-food items — such as shampoo, soap, baby supplies, paper towels and toilet paper, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, pet supplies, anything useful but food — solicited for food banks in Port Angeles and Sequim.
Items can be left at JACE The Real Estate Co.’s offices at 1234 E. Front St. (Front and Liberty streets) in Port Angeles and 761 N. Sequim Ave. in Sequim.
Those residents donating items will be entered into a drawing for a child-sized, 64-square-foot log playhouse, built by John Robertson, husband of Kimi Robertson, a JACE real estate agent.
If the winner doesn’t have children or the space for the playhouse, another prize will be awarded.
The Everything But Food Drive continues until 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24.
This year’s effort honors Jace Schmitz, the founder and co-owner of the real estate company who died in January.
“Jace and I conceived the idea of the Everything But Food Drive eight years ago, when the then-director of the Port Angeles Food Bank said that some of the food bank recipients were homeless and didn’t have can openers,” said Eileen Schmitz, the founder’s widow.
“Jace and I asked if we could collect can-openers for the food bank and followed up inquiring if there were other non-food needs, which led to this drive.
“My husband’s trademark on the entire event was buying and encouraging others to donate bags and bags of chocolate kisses because he believed everyone needed both chocolate and a good kiss for life to be worthwhile.
“Companywide, we continue to honor his dedication to service, education and community service.”
For more information, phone Schmitz at 360-565-2030 or 360-452-1210, or email mrsjace@jacerealestate.com.
