June 30, 2021

Is it wrong to say it was a little chilly early this morning at Jubilee? Not cold, but just chilly enough to wonder if a light jacket would be needed. That gave way to warmth soon enough, but it was a shocking change to the recent days. The sun finally came out just as we opened at 1pm, which warmed up the afternoon nicely. The operation ran smoothly today. The morning was busy with lots of people dropping off groceries and pantry items. Thank you, everyone! The afternoon was very, very busy, making up for the very slow Tuesday. There was a steady line from start to finish. The last two people coming through picked up for 4 and 5 families respectively, which filled multiple carts. So nice to be busy!

Groceries today were provided by Calvary Chapel Eastside, Newport Covenant, Indian Fellowship, 24-Seven, Bellevue Christian Reformed, St. Louise, Bellevue Presbyterian and Crossroads Bible churches, as well as the Rotary Club of Bellevue, the Bellevue Breakfast Rotary Club and the Jubilee Friends group. A total of 191 orders came in and all went out to families today, along with 11 carried over from yesterday. Thank you to everyone who donated today.

The AM crew was from Bellevue Presbyterian today. They were a hardworking crew of veterans to the shift and didn’t need much direction. They did a great job all morning. Thank you, crew!

Puzzles were handed out for a second day. Chrissie is a volunteer who is handing them out each day this week and is perfect for the job. People love the puzzles.

Produce from local gardens is showing up daily. Thank you for all the deliveries and referrals. Providing fresh produce is such fun. The King County Demonstration Garden in Lake Hills brought a nice selection today.

A few stories and updates:

Lily took sandwiches to downtown Seattle. Here’s her email back: “Today was a blessing 🙌🙏 day. Different people to give sandwiches with some different treats. I was looking for the guy who always asked for the Philly sandwiches and I couldn't see him so when I was about to leave in my car I saw him. And I told him I had sandwiches for him. He was so happy he told me that he was from Kansas city I guess and he misses those sandwiches 🥪🥪 I couldn't take a picture of him because my son was playing with my phone. 😁😆 Andrew from The Mission was surprised because there were sweet treats. Kyle wasn't there because it was early. So blessed 🙌💖and he was thankful 🙏💓

We said goodbye to Bertha today and her husband, Vidal. She has been volunteering with us on Wednesdays in the market since about the fall. Vidal goes through the line, while she works, and then goes home. He returns at 3:30pm to pick her up. She was very, very sad today. She has found a family and purpose in being here. Her family will not continue with Phase 3 but is on the waiting list. With the operation changing, we’re not yet sure of where she might volunteer again. For now, we said our goodbyes.

Maria brought Mexican tuna salad today for lunch. It has potatoes, noodles, carrots, peas, and more. It’s quite tasty. She will be continuing with Phase 3.

We said goodbye to Jose today, as he won’t be continuing with Phase 3. He has been profiled in this email a few times, as he takes food to the kitchen staff at the Mexican restaurant he works at in Sammamish. He says his family should be fine without the support. Hopefully, that turns out to be true. We’ll miss him. He’s a good man.

It was a positive but emotional day today, as we say goodbye to so many familiar faces. Many families came up to say thank you. There was a constant tap on the shoulder or tug on the sleeve to say goodbye. These expressions of sincere gratitude are passed to all of you. The families are aware it is people in the community providing all they are given.

Thanks for such a nice Wednesday. It was so nice to be busy after such a quiet Tuesday. The transition to Phase 3 next week is on schedule. There are some unknowns but the overall path can still be seen. Thank you for your continued support, prayers, and sustained energy behind this community program. We are in it together.

Blessings to you all,

Ken Carpenter
Director- Community Care, Jubilee REACH
On behalf of the Jubilee family