Help make this holiday season bright for everyone: Food, toy drives continue at local food banks

Kingston Food Bank

A lot of holiday meal staples are needed including turkeys, stuffing, butter, margarine, canned goods such as pumpkin, cranberry sauce, vegetables and milk, as well as celery, onions, potatoes and yams as well as personal care items including toothpaste, dish soap, shampoo and diapers. Cash donations are also welcome and will be used to purchase needed items.

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 during these hours at (360) 297-4861. Cash donations can be sent to the Kingston Food Bank, c/o Barb Fulton, P.O. Box 323, Kingston, WA 98346.

ShareNet

ShareNet is collecting donations for 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, cookie sprinkles, baking mixes, tomato sauce, chili, butter, noodles and individually wrapped holiday candy. 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 and must be received by Dec. 19 for Christmas meals.

Christmas toy and gift donations of unwrapped toys, games and puzzles for children through elementary school are needed, as well as coats, gloves and other warm clothing. Gifts for teens and families are also welcome. Items may be dropped off at either ShareNet or Bayside Community Church on Barber Cut Off Road in Kingston.

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