The shaky state of the economy, increased fuel and food costs, and job lay-offs have many families in the North End looking for support from local food banks, who report seeing a nearly 80-percent increase in clients over last year. With the holidays nearing, the Kingston Food Bank and ShareNet Food Bank rely on the community to help stock their shelves, and both are accepting donations for holiday meals to be distributed in November and December.

Kingston Food Bank

Vi Weaver, manager of the Kingston Food Bank for over 40 years, said the last month has been tough, trying to meet the needs of providing food for large families. She has put out a call for turkeys, stuffing, butter, margarine, canned goods such as pumpkin, cranberry sauce, vegetables and milk, as well as celery, onions, potatoes, yams and personal care items including toothpaste, dish soap, shampoo and diapers. Cash donations are also welcome and will be used to purchase needed items.

Those wishing to receive a Thanksgiving meal should sign up by Nov. 14. Boxes will be distributed noon-3 p.m. Nov. 24. Sign-up for December holiday boxes by Dec. 12; those will be distributed 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 22.

Donations of toys, coats and gift cards for boys and girls, from infants to pre-teens, are welcome now that will be distributed in December.

The Kingston Food Bank, located in the VFW Hall in Kola Kole Park off West First Street, is open for donations noon-3 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. Call the food bank at (360) 297-4861.

ShareNet

ShareNet is collecting donations for Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, as well as stocking the Christmas toy and gift shop where families can select items, free of charge, to give as gifts.

Specific food items needed for holiday meals include flour, sugar, stuffing, canned pumpkin, vegetables cranberry sauce and chicken broth, potatoes, evaporated milk, nuts, baking mixes, tomato sauce, butter and noodles. Turkeys and fresh produce are purchased at bulk rate prices with cash donations.

Items may be dropped off 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday by Nov. 21 for Thanksgiving meals and Dec. 19 for Christmas meals.

Sign up to receive holiday meals in person during food bank hours 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays. Thanksgiving baskets will be distributed 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 24 and Christmas boxes 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 22.

ShareNet, located in the Cutting Edge Business Park, 26061 United Road off Bond Road, may be reached at (360) 297-2266. Hours are 9:30 a.m.-noon Tuesdays and Fridays or call to make an appointment. Cash donations may be mailed to ShareNet, P.O. Box 250, Kingston, WA 98346.