The Neighbor Aid 2008 fundraising campaign of ShareNet, in partnership with the Kingston Community News, provides assistance to people in need in our North End communities through its food bank and also offers funds for emergency housing and utility assistance.

ShareNet provided 133 holiday boxes for a total of 6,549 pounds of food at Thanksgiving, consistent with an average 84 percent increase in general food bank usage over 2007. We could not have done it without the generosity of the community. We are so grateful for the outpouring of support from the community at this time, and that we were able to provide that extent of assistance right back to our community.

We are also grateful for the many people and organizations who have donated their time, food and money to our efforts. Many people and organizations have donated without identifying themselves, and we honor their commitment.

Contributing to Neighbor Aid is a great opportunity for a local business, civic organization, or school to host a contest or drive for funds or food. ShareNet is a 501(c) 3 organization and provides tax-deductible giving statements at year end. Since we anticipate donations, drives and volunteers will continue through the Christmas season, donors will be honored here in February, unless otherwise requested. For more information or to let us know of an effort planned, contact Mark Ince at (360) 297-2266, sharenetdirector@centurytel.net or Barbara Brumagin at (360) 621-9500.