This is the time of the year when islanders give and give some more, whether it’s to One Call For All, Helpline House, the Katy Warner Christmas Fund or the nonprofit entity of their choice. Garnet Logan, a Helpline House board member, offers thanks.
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Having a good neighbor is like having buried treasure – it’s there when you need it. Whether it’s someone checking on you when the power is out, or someone who moves a huge pile of blackberry bushes for you, good neighbors are people who care about others.
Helpline House saw almost a 25 percent increase in families needing help for Thanksgiving this year, and the good neighbors of Bainbridge Island rose to the occasion. There were those who arrived with carloads of food they had collected, others who purchased whole dinners and some who donated anonymously.
Heartwarmingly too numerous to mention, they were truly good neighbors providing assistance for those they did not know. Gift cards and the turkey cards from T & C shoppers were of immense help. The Food Bank shelves were full, which had not been seen for many months, and Thanksgiving was a day for gratitude.
“Helpline and the wonderful community has made this a truly wonderful Thanksgiving to be thankful for.”
“Thank you for your help and support. You just ‘warmed up’ the holidays!”
“ Thank you. God bless!”
“There is no place on earth the likes of Helpline House. I’ve lived all over the world. This is totally unique and wonderfully humane.”
Of course, it’s the donors that keep Helpline afloat, and good neighbors also appeared in the form of local organizations and businesses whose efforts, as always, are welcomed and appreciated.
To quote Camus, “Real generosity towards the future lies in giving all to the present,” and we are grateful to each and every one (in no particular order):
Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church, Shir Hayam Congregation, Grace Church, Kol Shalom Congregation, St. Cecilia’s St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Barnabas Church, Cedars Unitarian Church, Island Church, Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, Eagle Harbor Congregational Church, Bethany Lutheran Church, Port Madison Methodist Church, Seabold Church, The Inter Faith Council, Town & Country Market, McBride’s Hallmark Store, Island Fitness, Hockett & Olson Automotive, Employees of American Marine Bank, Bay Hay & Feed, Frontier Bank, Westside Pizza, Quality Auto, BI Self & North Storages, BI Child Care, Kids’ Discovery Museum, Bainbridge Vision Source, BI Athletic Club, BI Public Library, Island Thyme Book Club, The Building Block, Republican Women’s Club, BI Women’s Club, BI Rotary, Kiwanis Ordway School, West Sound Academy, Hyla Middle School, Sakai Intermediate School math classes, Voyager Montessori, Island School, Madrona School, Wilkes School, Woodward Middle School math classes, Carden Country School, BHS National Honor Society & health classes, Blakely School Blast Leadership & Service, First Years Preschool, Girl Scout Troop 52603, Daisy Girl Scout Troop 50223, Cub Scout Pack 496, Brownie Troop 52603, Girl Scout Troop 50081, Troop 3230, Muir Girl Scout Troop 3213, Northtown Woods Neighborhood, Manual Road Neighbors, Rosario Place Neighbors, Vineyard Lane Neighbors, Eagle Harbor Condos.
