The holidays are a time for families to come together around a full table. But for our neighbors who don’t have reliable access to food — like Magdalena’s family — this special season can be a painful reminder of hunger.
Magdalena lives with her mother, Margareta, and brother in Bellevue. Her brother works hard to support the family, and Magdalena continues to search for a job to help cover their expenses. She told us she’s volunteering with the Salvation Army to both give back to the community and gain valuable skills to help her find work.
The family found out about Hopelink Bellevue, their local Food Lifeline member agency, a few years ago. We met Magdalena and Margareta as they filled their cart with fruits and vegetables, and they told us how much they appreciate the food bank.
“It helps out a lot because we don’t have much money,” Magdalena says.
The client-choice food bank is set up like a grocery store and offers a wide variety of fresh produce and other nutritious staples. Plus, Hopelink provides English as a Second Language classes, transportation, housing assistance and more for neighbors who are struggling to make ends meet.
Your gifts to Food Lifeline help stock the food bank’s shelves, and Magdalena’s family is truly grateful to have your support. Their large extended family will be traveling to Bellevue to celebrate the holidays, and because you choose to give, they’ll be able to sit down to a hearty meal together.
“[The food bank] really puts food on our table,” Magdalena says with gratitude.
Your generosity is especially felt during the holiday season. So many local families can gather and celebrate despite the difficult times they’re facing — and they’ll be giving thanks for friends like you. You’re truly solving hunger across Western Washington!
