A lot of powerful stories come through ShareNet throughout the year. Some are shared verbally, some by phone or email, some left anonymously in a note or voicemail.
They are stories of people struggling, falling down and finding a way back up. We’re glad to be part of the way back up.
They are stories of personal failure, both private and public, and now and then of redemption and success. They are stories of families being dragged down by an all too quick and previously unimaginable series of events.
ShareNet becomes part of their journey, a place to get some food and shelter in crisis. We’re grateful that the community support to Neighbor Aid, the annual campaign that determines our ability to serve over the next year, allows us to be a part of their journey.
We strive to be a useful part of that journey, one that moves people struggling toward stability by offering additional resources through sponsorship of local schools, and financial and parenting classes.
We’re grateful to be a place the community has made. Support for ShareNet is as much support for an idea as it is a bricks and mortar place. The idea is compassion. We are a place made by compassion for struggle, and people who didn’t start with any advantages, or, as all of us can, lost them along the way.
The stories tell themselves:
“As much as I’m grateful for all of the assistance I’ve received, there is an element of shame and embarrassment that I’m not self-sufficient enough without your help. Clearly, it is sad that at my age (61), these are the worst economic times I’ve experienced. This recession would have been a lot easier to handle when I was younger. While I’m thankful to have a job, it’s ironic that I sell products and services that I myself can’t afford. But, thanks to ShareNet and your kind, thoughtful Staff, I find myself muddling through. Their sensitivity and kindness make the process tolerable, reassuring me that I’m not alone.”
— Mark C.
“I am a disabled vet with 30 years in the community. ShareNet gets me through the month.”
— Sandra McDonough
“Our family thanks God for ShareNet. Back in 2010 I got very sick and spent months in hospitals, lost my job, and later our home. Then in 2012 my wife took ill and could no longer work. So now we just live on disability. I make too much income to get EBT and really not enough to live on. At first my pride stopped me coming to ShareNet. Now we don’t have to worry so much about food.”
— Lawrence “Larry” West
“It was extremely difficult for me to call ShareNet asking how I could get food. I am in my fifties and had never gone to a food bank before. I felt embarrassed and ashamed of having to do this, but things were getting difficult. I had just lost twenty pounds from not eating enough, and I was a afraid this lack of food would trickle down to my family. I called. I had only known of ShareNet by stories in the newspaper. I got the hours and location and came in, a difficult act. I was uncomfortable, but the staff couldn’t have been better, as they were warm, welcoming and non-judgmental. I truly appreciate the kindness and respect shown to me by the staff. I was surprised by the food offered. I had expected canned goods and packaged goods, but found fresh fruit and vegetables. Organic and gluten-free foods were offered. There were also varieties of cheese, yogurt, and breads. ShareNet has helped my family immensely. We receive a good variety of food and a good number of fresh products. ShareNet has brought my situation from a feeling of desperation to one of much more comfort.”
— Anonymous
“My mother is 90 years old and has medical and nutritional needs that ShareNet helps me meet on our limited budget. We both have medication needs not fully covered by Medicare. We are both grateful for the extra support the community shares with us.”
— Anonymous
“I have had to depend on ShareNet since I broke my back and have been out of work. The staff are godsends and my family of five absolutely love them all.”
— Richard Morgado
“Our family lost our home in a fire. ShareNet was there to help in any way they could. Thanks to them we will bounce back from this tragedy. They have always been there in time of need for food and after the fire a voucher for other things we needed.”
— Pete
“I heard about ShareNet, came in, the people were great. I remember the food bank was closed but when I explained my situation and the lady saw how upset I was she invited me in and made a box, enough to get me through until they opened again. I will always remember her generosity and kindness.”
— Lorraine
Donations to Neighbor Aid 2014 can be made to ShareNet, PO Box 250, Kingston, WA 98346 or online at www.sharenetfoodbank.org.
— Mark Ince is executive director of ShareNet. He can be reached by calling 360-297-2266.
