PORT TOWNSEND — Some of the stress caused by the holidays for those with low incomes can be alleviated by a trip to the local food bank, according to both its management and customers.
“I want to take the weight from people’s shoulders,” said Shirley Moss, Port Townsend Food Bank manager, on Christmas Eve.
“When money is really tight, people will wonder whether they should spend it on gas or to get their kids’ teeth fixed, but they can come here to get fed, which will take some of the pressure off.”
“The food bank is different around Christmas,” said Sarah, a 36-year old single mother who was getting food on Christmas Eve. She did not provide her last name.
“There is a year-round need for the food bank but during Christmas there is an expectation to participate in holiday cheer and that usually takes money.
“To be able to redirect the energy that usually goes toward buying food to other places gives people more freedom.”
The Port Townsend Food Bank served 256 families on Wednesday, which Moss said represents a slow week.
Christmas week is generally the second busiest day of the year after Thanksgiving, Moss said.
“Thanksgiving is a food holiday. Christmas is more of a gift and family holiday,” she said.
Thuy Langsea of Port Townsend said on Christmas Eve that she would prepare both the meal that night and today’s Christmas dinner solely from food acquired at the food bank.
“This is to show how what we get from the food bank is such a blessing,” she said.
“Without the food bank, I’d be focusing on how to get fed and wouldn’t be able to make presents, which is what I do every year.”
Caleb Needham is one of 62 Port Townsend Food Bank volunteers but also is a customer.
“There’s an indefinable spirit to this place that is genuine and generous,” he said.
“There is something that is enriching here, which is why I keep coming back to volunteer. I always feel better after I’m here.”
Not everyone was feeling the holiday spirit on Wednesday. For some, it was just another day.
“I don’t know from Christmas,” said Artis the Spoonman, who provides no other name.
“This place is generous year-round. You don’t want to tell people how generous this place is.”
Added Sharon Trent: “People at the food bank help you year-round. They give you stuff that you need and they really care.”
Moss said that she would like to change the notion that coming to the food bank carries a stigma and that people who come in need to be ashamed.
“We are here for anyone who needs us, no questions asked,” she said.
“I really want to get that word out, that people should come in if they are hungry.”
The Port Townsend Food Bank is a tenant of 1925 Blaine St., in the Mountain View Commons.
It would be one of the beneficiaries of a proposed $3.6 million bond that would be used for rehabilitation of the building.
If the city bond is passed by voters in the Feb. 10 special election, the food bank will be able to upgrade its own facilities and install new refrigeration systems, Moss said.
The food bank is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays and for seniors from noon to 2 p.m. Saturdays.
For more information, call 360-531-0275.
________
Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-0385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
