Renton responds to food bank need with tons of food

When the Salvation Army Renton Rotary Food Ban asked for help, Renton responded with 117,899 pounds of food in three weeks.

That number contrasts with October’s unusually low giving of only 48,000 pounds.

“It’s a miracle,” said Salvation Army Capt. Terry Masango. “I’m really overwhelmed by the response. My heart has been filled with joy.”

At the same time the ailing economy has drawn more hungry Renton and Skyway families to the Salvation Army, generosity from givers waned through the summer months.

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In addition to the food, givers donated about $30,000 for the first three weeks of November.

Half of those donating money had never given to the Salvation Army before.

About 560 families lined up for annual Thanksgiving dinner kits Nov. 24. Kids held out plastic bags for cans of corn, onions and potatoes.

“They’re given big bags of food,” Masango said Tuesday. “I don’t think we’ll send anyone home hungry today.”

Typically, many families miss their appointment for food, but this year few failed to show.

About 40 families received their Thanksgiving essentials every 30 minutes.

The dinners give families something more to eat than soup and sandwiches and they encourage the family to be together, Masango said.

Some families received turkeys while others got $10 gift cards. To have enough turkeys for everyone, the bank would have had to rent two freezer trucks to hold them.

The bank is well on its way to restocking its shelves for an expected dry winter, though donations are still needed.

“Some of the same families are going to come Dec. 22 to pick up their Christmas food and their Christmas toys,” Masango said.

In October food bank’s shelves were empty and volunteers had little to do, said volunteer Sheila Carter.

Two weeks into November the staff was busy at work, and Carter was busy sorting food again.

“It just warms my heart to see the people giving,” she said.

Salvation Army Food Bank

Salvation Army Renton Rotary Food Bank volunteer Sheila Carter sorts food donations at the food bank, a smile on her face because the shelves are now full of food.

Celeste Gracey/Renton Reporter

The Salvation Army Renton Rotary Food Bank

Needed foods: rice, pasta, peanut butter, breakfast cereal and canned fruit, vegetables, tuna and beans.

206 S. Tobin St., Renton

For volunteer opportunities go to salvationarmyrenton.org.

WHAT’S NEEDED

The Salvation Army Renton Rotary Food Bank needs rice, pasta, peanut butter, breakfast cereal and canned fruit, vegetables, tuna and beans. Donations are accepted at the food bank, 206 S. Tobin St., Renton. For volunteer opportunities go to salvationarmyrenton.org. The deadline for the Salvation Army’s Toy Drive is Dec. 18.