Today was our JCC team’s 2nd opportunity to volunteer as a team over at the Food Bank @ St. Mary’s. This is now happening on the 3rd Saturday of every month, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
In truth, while we call it the JCC team, there were actually volunteers from the Japanese Baptist Church as well as from the Japanese Buddhist Church that joined in with us. In addition, there were student volunteers from Seattle U there as well as more “regular” volunteers. In all, perhaps 20 volunteers worked side by side with regular staff of the food bank to provide food stuffs for people who are served by this Food Bank.
From around 8:30 a.m. people begin to line up and the line continues to move and form all the way until 1:30 p.m. Today was a bit rainy and chilly for those waiting.
Folks unload trucks and vans deliver food stuffs from various vendors, stores, and retail outlets. Trucks deliver items daily as well as Food Bank vehicles going out to collect food items. It is tons of food…
A warehouse across the alley holds items as they get organized and prepared for distribution.
Counters, cargo baskets, and food items are all set up inside in preparation for the distribution.
All the volunteers gather in a circle prior to starting and pray together this lovely prayer which is posted on walls all around the building.
Here are 3 veteran “sorters” who organize the items into baskets and bags in order to distribute them.
Folks coming through the line…volunteers offering assistance…
Our very own Howard and Gene, manning potatoes and pears, among other items.
Thanks to Howard, Pastor Tim, Sharon & Rhys, Sue & Gene, and our coordinator Bi-Lan for a great day of work. Maybe you can come out and join us next month on November 18th as we again “serve in love” and seek to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our community.
Japanese Congregational Church 