MARYSVILLE, Washington (October 17, 2017) – For many families in Marysville and Tulalip, the upcoming holidays can bring more hardship than joy. The Marysville Community Food Bank and Toy Store are asking for the community’s support to help our neighbors in need.
A holiday donation campaign will officially kick off with the All City Food Drive on Saturday, November 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donations needed include food, unused toys, stocking stuffers, gift cards, new books, coats and wrapping materials.
More than 75 locations across Marysville have partnered to make this year’s drive the most successful yet. Residents are encouraged to look for the iconic red giving barrels wherever they shop and do business. Individuals can also drop off donations at the Marysville Community Food Bank on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, as well as Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Another way to give is by bringing unwrapped gifts for newborns to 17-year-olds to any City of Marysville government building including the park office, community center, city hall, police station and all fire stations.
“We realize that when a family receives food from the Food Bank it frees up money that is used to keep the lights on, put fuel in the car, pay medical bills and cover other basic needs,” said Marysville Community Food Bank Director Dell Deierling. “During the holidays the demands are much higher as folks try to provide for their families. By supporting the Food Bank, whether it be with food or toys, you are easing the stresses that many of our families face.”
“What the Marysville community gives to the Food Bank stays here and helps raise our community up during the holiday season,” said Toy Store chairperson Tara Mizell, “All donations have a meaningful impact on our local families.”
The food bank is also looking for volunteers all season long. If you would like volunteer at the food bank contact marysvillefoodbank@frontier.com. If you would like to volunteer at the toy store or need more information, send an email to fbtoystore@gmail.com or contact Volunteer Coordinators Emily Wicks at 360-965-0007 or Christie Veley at 360-363-8507.
Families in need of services are asked to sign up directly by visiting the food bank in person (4150 88th St NE, Marysville) before Friday, December 2. No online or phone registration is available.
Important Dates:
Thanksgiving Food Basket Distribution
Friday, November 17, 9 a.m. – Noon
Monday, November 20, 9 a.m. - Noon
Tuesday, November 21, 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Christmas Food Basket Distribution
Monday, December 18, 9 a.m. – Noon
Tuesday, December 19, 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Friday, December 22, 9 a.m. - Noon
Toy Store
Wednesday, December 13 - (L-Z), 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Thursday, December 14 - (A-K), 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
About the Marysville Community Food Bank and Toy Store
The Marysville Community Food Bank and Toy Store committee was formed in 1985 by several regional service organizations and their dedicated volunteers. Their goal was to provide all local families in need with toys and food during the holidays. In its first year, 104 families were served. Today, the committee serves more than 1,200 children in the 98270, 98271 and 98259 zip codes.
Questions about the All City Food Drive as well as toy and book donations should be directed to Tara Mizell, tmizell@marysvillewa.gov or (360) 363-8404. See media contacts for any press inquiries.