ARLINGTON — Marie Johnson and her husband were new to town in December 1986 when they stopped by The Steak House.
“We saw the sign and said, ‘Let’s have a cocktail,’ ” Johnson, 82, said.
Once inside, the couple found themselves sitting near four women who were wearing Santa hats and talking about local people in need. They were forming a group for women 39 and older who might want to help. When a fifth woman arrived, someone from the group shouted, “There you are! The old bag!”
“I leaned over and said, ‘Hey, I’m 39. Can I join?’ ” Johnson said.
Johnson is the last original member of the Old Bags of Arlington, a nonprofit group of 32 women that raises funds for children and families in the Stanwood and Arlington areas.
The group, which meets on the first Friday of the month, makes money at Christmas parties and summer picnics, at bake sales and street fairs, and through raffles. In 2006, members sold 1,800 cookbooks.
Money goes into a general fund, and when someone finds out that locals need help after a fire or with groceries, a power bill or other items, the women move into action.
“Lots of times, we’ll read about it in the local paper,” said Sherry Cox, 64, a member of the group for four years.
The Old Bags of Arlington donate to food banks every month and sometimes find families in need through the Stanwood and Arlington school districts.
Megan Bryson, secretary at Trafton Elementary in Arlington, helps identify families in the school who may need help.
“We ask around, at parent-teacher club,” Bryson said.
The Old Bags of Arlington then give the grocery cards to Bryson, who makes sure the family gets them without knowing, for the most part, who is giving the card.
“They don’t even know where it came from,” Bryson said.
At Thanksgiving, 10 families each received a $75 card for groceries. At Christmas, 10 other families were given $75 cards for an area department store.
The members of The Old Bags of Arlington are varied in age and background. Gina Gerber, 68, has been a member for at least 10 years and was president of the group at one point. Johnson used to be a lumber truck driver, a school bus driver and a taxi driver.
“I hated that job,” Johnson said.
Johnson is said to make the best bread and apple pies for the bake sales.
Judi Martin, 69, is a newer member who moved to Arlington from Southern California, where she was a sign painter.
“The main thrust of our group is to help families and children,” Martin said. “There’s no criteria to be met.”
Betty Nelson, 68, and Babe Melhart, 66, have both been members for about three years. Melhart is the president of the group.
Although these women live in Arlington, there are members of The Old Bags of Arlington who live in Bothell, Lake Stevens and Green Bank. They can be spotted in parades and about town by their white jackets with the Old Bags of Arlington logo on the back.
“We’re always looking for new members,” Martin said. “No stuffed shirts.”
Christina Harper: harper@heraldnet.com or 425-339-3491.
Join the Bags
The Old Bags of Arlington is accepting donations and new members. Members must be 39 or older. Dues are $15 per year. $2 each meeting.
Contact them by mail at The American Legion, 115 N. Olympic Ave., Arlington, WA 98223 or call Babe Melhart at 360-435-3279.
For more information, go to www.oldbagsofarlington.org.
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