This weekend, the 11th annual Impact Camas-Washougal food drive aims to raise $19,000 and provide essential support to local families in need. The initiative involves packing food boxes for distribution in schools while addressing the critical summer gap when school meal programs are unavailable. Volunteers from St. Matthew Lutheran Church lead the event, which features a barbecue lunch and a live concert. Contributions can be made via GoFundMe or directly to St. Matthew Lutheran Church.
Through this effort, the community hopes to inspire local organizations and individuals to participate actively, ensuring that every family feels supported and cared for. The food boxes will be delivered to schools in both Camas and Washougal, where they will reach students facing food insecurity. This collaborative endeavor underscores the importance of community solidarity in times of need.
Addressing Summer Hunger Gaps
The food drive focuses on combating hunger during the summer months, a period often overlooked but crucial for families who depend on school meals. By collecting funds and assembling food boxes, the initiative bridges the nutritional gap until summer meal programs resume. High-protein items like peanut butter, canned tuna, and chili are especially sought after for donation.
Summer presents unique challenges for families reliant on school meal programs. When these programs halt, many struggle to ensure their children receive adequate nutrition. Recognizing this issue, the Impact Camas-Washougal food drive steps in to fill the void. Volunteers assemble food boxes packed with shelf-stable goods, providing parents peace of mind as they head to work. Additionally, any extra non-perishable donations are forwarded to the Inter-Faith Treasure House's food pantry, further extending the reach of the drive’s impact.
Fostering Community Engagement
The event serves as a catalyst for uniting diverse groups within the community, encouraging participation from Scout troops, church groups, businesses, and families alike. This collective effort strengthens community bonds while addressing pressing needs. Organizers invite more local entities to join in, amplifying the positive effects of the initiative.
Engagement from various sectors highlights the growing need for assistance within the community. Nancy Nass-Boon and Brenda Schallberger emphasize the profound impact of these food boxes, noting how they not only supply necessary provisions but also convey the community’s care and empathy. Families across the district have benefited significantly from past drives, underscoring the importance of continued support. Participants and supporters can contribute through multiple channels, ensuring no one is left behind in the fight against hunger. The event at Parker’s Landing Historic Park exemplifies how collaboration and compassion can transform lives.