Thanks to residents of Columbia Lutheran Home and never-diminishing popularity of candy, the Ballard Food Bank received more than $600 worth of donations July 10.

The residents sold candy at the front desk and donated some of their own money in order to raise the $600, which was used to buy food, razors, socks, toilet paper and much more. They also had enough left over for a nearly $240 check to the food bank.

“One resident bought mayonnaise because she grew up in the Depression and knows how to stretch a food budget,” said Ellen Murray, Columbia Lutheran Home’s activity director.

Residents said it is a great feeling to help those in need, they only wish their donation could have been double what it was.

On top of the residents’ donation, staff and family members also donated to the food bank.

Columbia Lutheran Home’s resident council votes on a different outreach project every few months. For the past decade, they have been donating to the Salvation Army at Christmas time and are currently writing letters to soldiers and members of the Peace Corps.

Columbia Lutheran Home is located at 4700 Phinney Ave. N.