Submitted by the Town of Friday Harbor

Thank you for your ongoing support of the Harbor Life Ring Utilities Assistance program. Since its launch ten years ago, your generous donations have afforded relief to Islanders experiencing temporary financial troubles. (To donate, please see the special line item on the monthly Town utility bill or visit the Finance Office at Town Hall.)

Each November we ask that you help us with another important community need— the Friday Harbor Food Bank. The Food Bank spends over $12,000 each month serving over 1,075 households; that’s an average of 2,278 individuals per month! In the last year, they provided nearly 470,000 pounds of food to Islanders, and they do this primarily through goods and funds donated by the community. Funds are then used in partnerships with local grocery stores, businesses and island farmers.

According to Food Bank Manager Rachelle Radonski, the necessity for your generous donations is even greater in these economic times. “The needs of the Food Bank patrons are ongoing and critical,” said Radonski. “Food costs continue to rise, but the Food Bank is committed to keeping healthy produce and proteins available. With the holidays upon us, the households in need will grow even larger.”

To assist with the Food Bank’s need for funding, the Town will direct all of your donations from this month’s Harbor Life Ring to the Friday Harbor Food Bank. Each year you have answered the Town’s call to contribute, and the Town has matched your donations. This year, the Town will match up to a total of $5,000!

Support the Friday Harbor Food Bank by donating to Harbor Life Ring on your November utility bill or stop into Town Hall. As we celebrate Thanksgiving and all that we have to be thankful for, this is a perfect way to pay it forward. Please consider an extra contribution at the bottom of your utility billing. You don’t need to be an account holder to contribute to the program.

Thank you for your generous support, and best wishes to you and yours this holiday season!

~ The Town of Friday Harbor

The FHFB is a 501(C)(3) non-profit corporation. Your donations to their operation are tax deductible.

The Food Bank is located on Market Street across from Friday Harbor Market Place grocery.