PORT TOWNSEND — It took 3,150 pounds of turkey, 3,000 pounds of potatoes and more than 2,500 pounds of donated canned food.
It took many more thousands of pounds of produce, bread and dairy donated from local farms, stores and gardens, and some 20 volunteers to prepare.
But in the end, all 279 families who were looking for a little help from the Port Townsend Food Bank this Thanksgiving were fed.
Helen Kullman, manager of the Port Townsend food bank, said the number was a yearlong high — as is typical the day before Thanksgiving.
High number this year
“It didn’t break last year’s all-time record of 282 families,” she said.
“But it did easily beat this year’s high of 265, which was actually set last week. Really, the numbers have been growing each week.”
The boost in numbers isn’t unexpected.
Since last year, the food bank — as have most others in the North Olympic Peninsula — has seen a steady rise in clients.
Workers attribute the rise in demand to a poor economy. They also feel that the food bank’s recent move to the Mountain View Commons at the corner of Blaine and Walker streets has made it more accessible.
But donations have kept up with demand, Kullman said.
“The number of clients is up, but so is the amount of donations and food we have in.
“Also we have more space now, so everything is pretty good.”
Kullman said the food bank, once run from a warehouse in the Port Townsend Business Park, has blossomed in the 10 years she has been with it.
And always, it has relied on volunteers.
“We have so many great volunteers that we don’t worry too much,” Kullman said.
Worth the effort
Volunteers said the time spent helping others is worth the effort.
“It’s good because people are so thankful,” said Grazia Holtgrave, a three-year volunteer.
“We trade smiles all day and it feels good to help.
Holtgrave works the produce line with Katy DeBernandi, a volunteer for the last two years.
“It’s tougher to be here before a holiday,” DeBernandi admitted. “But I’m here every week, and these people are here every week.
“They depend on us being here, so I’m showing up.”
Cliff Rick, a 10-year volunteer with the food bank, said he’s just thankful that people come for help.
“I know they probably wish they didn’t have to be here,” he said, “But we sure like seeing them.
“We know these people, and we like being able to be here for them.
“Everyone involved is thankful for what is happening here.”
Kullman said she is thankful to still be involved with the food bank.
“I can’t believe I am still in charge,” she said.
“I’m 80 years old and I keep saying I should quit, but what else would I do?
“I’m not a fan of television, and I’m not going back to work unless it’s in my garden.”
Kullman realizes that work is an arbitrary term. After she finishes feeding Port Townsend families, she will prepare a Thanksgiving for a family of her own.
The food bank job keeps her young, she said.
“I’m thankful because this keeps me moving too fast to age,” she said.
“I’ve got so much to do, I don’t have time to get old.”
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Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com.
