As our early summer rolls into the official one, let’s keep in mind two crucial support services that experience a seasonal decrease in donations: Local food banks and blood banks. For those of us who are able, helping out is easy, on the wallet and otherwise. And the need, as always, is great.
Thankfully, programs are in place to help the needy and most vulnerable. The Washington State Summer Meals Program provides free meals and snacks to all children and teens (18 years and younger) during the summer. No proof of income, address or citizenship is ever required. According the Washington State University extension office, Summer Meals for kids are available at many sites in Snohomish County including schools, youth centers such as YMCA and Boys and Girls Clubs, churches, and more.
To find the Summer Meals site closest to you:
1. Enter your address to find the site nearest you at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/summerfoodrocks
2. Call the USDA National Hunger Hotline 1 (866) 3 Hungry or 1 (877) 8 Hambre
For adults and families, the WSU extension office also includes a list of Snohomish County food banks, for those in need, or who would like to donate. In addition to the usual canned goods, most food banks also welcome fresh produce from summer gardens.
Blood banks also face an annual summer shortage, and the American Red Cross urges blood and platelet donors to give to insure that blood is available to patients all summer long. All blood types are needed. Traditionally, during the months of June, July and August, about two fewer donors schedule an appointment to give blood at each Red Cross blood drive than what patients need.
For those who would like to donate, you can:
Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App.
Visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site. For those who can’t give blood, the Red Cross lists ways people can help, including volunteering.
Summer is a time for fun for many of us. For those who are hungry, sick or injured, however, summer is no vacation. A simple donation of food, and/or blood, is an easy, and vitally important, way to help our neighbors in need. It’s a fact that kindness really is its own reward.
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