Arlington Community Food Bank extends a big “thank you” for all of the wonderful outpouring of support extended to the food bank during the entire year of 2008 and especially for this past Thanksgiving and Christmas Season. This all volunteer organization could not function to meet the needs of the hundreds of needy and low income clients we serve without the generous donations from area schools, corporations, businesses, business employees, service clubs, churches, youth groups, families and individuals. There are just too many to thank specifically without running the risk of inadvertently leaving someone out, so please accept this general acknowledgement to everyone for the unselfish generosity in donated food, money and labor to this worthy cause.

Recently the heavy snow and then flooding could have been disastrous for our operations. Again people, groups and businesses stepped forward with timely free labor, donated equipment and generous hard work to meet the challenge. This Community team work is amazing to observe. The clients we serve along with the entire Board of Directors and food bank manager Jim Scott are grateful.

Currently the national economic downturn is creating an increase in area unemployed families. The client usage of the food bank is growing weekly. Our volunteer work force is being stressed to keep up. A few more new volunteers would be appreciated. Those interested please phone the Arlington Community Food Bank (360-435-1631), leave your name, return phone number and a time to call. Someone will get back for getting you involved.

Duane Weston

Board Chairman, Arlington Community Food Bank