The West Seattle Food Bank at at 3419 s.w. Morgan Street got a boost on Friday, Nov. 19 at a time when they need it the most, just before Thanksgiving.

Only six weeks old, Junction furniture consignment store Suite Arrangements followed through on a pledge to donate 5% of all profits to the Food Bank and presented a check to Frances Yeatts Executive Director of the organization.

The new store has met with early success and owner Geoff Abdian said "We've already signed 100 consignors in our first five weeks -- a pace of over 1000 per year right here in West Seattle."

Abdian, who recently volunteered at the Food Bank pledged from the beginning to share a percentage of his profits with the Food Bank. “It’s not much yet,” Abdian said, “and the store hasn’t begun to repay the loans taken to open, but it’s a good start. And, we want to thank West Seattle for embracing the recycling of fine furnishings, and for helping to feed those most in need.”

The West Seattle Food Bank began in 2007 in their present location at the corner of 35th Ave. s.w. and s.w. Morgan. The need this year is as you would expect greater than ever, but hunger takes on greater meaning when the numbers are explained. This year 300 turkeys will be purchased from Plymouth Poultry for those seeking a Thanksgiving dinner and some families will not be served.

The food bank feeds and assists several hundred people every week. Some with food, others with diapers through a partnership with Westside Baby and others with pet food or other products.

Jack Wagstaff the Operations Manager and Mike Tinker an Operations Assistant were busy on Friday working to get ready for Monday morning distribution of food to Seniors.

Normally seniors are distributed to on site on Tuesdays from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. and general public distributions on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m. and on Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Next week will vary that schedule. Monday morning will be the senior distribution followed in the afternoon by general public distribution, Tuesday 10:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m. general public.

"We send out about 150 home deliveries to the elderly and disabled each week and next week all of those will go out Wednesday morning," said Yeatts. They also send food to the Senior Center for 25 families and to Skate Church for approximately 40 families.

Every week more than 80 volunteers help the organization feed people throughout West Seattle. They pack bags, organize food, distribute food to people even help keep things clean.

"It seems like the spirit of giving is alive and well in West Seattle," said Abdian, "but people could always do more and more is needed."

Anyone wishing to contribute directly to the West Seattle Food Bank – by providing financial support, donating food or other items, organizing workplace giving, hosting a food drive or volunteering at the center – may do so by contacting The West Seattle Food Bank at 3419 s.w. Morgan Street 
Seattle, WA 98126, or by calling (206)932-9023.

Those who’d like to consign (and recycle) fine furnishings for others to enjoy – and support regular giving to the Food Bank – may contact Suite Arrangements, at 4706 California Avenue s.w., Seattle, WA 98116, telephone 206-906-9379.