Food bank receives visit from Governor's office

The Helping Hand Food Bank in Cathlamet received a surprise visit from a delegation representing the office of Governor Chris Gregoire on December 3.

The purpose of the visit was to review the work of the Helping Hand and its resources and services. During the month of November alone, the Helping Hand served 147 households in Wahkiakum County, providing over 6,000 pounds of food to the 466 individuals in these families.

The Helping Hand was started by Rick and Mary Dasher in 1994, and was originally housed in their home, from which they would distribute food to those in need. the demand grew rapidly. In addition to providing food to families hard pressed in today's economy, it provides classes on gardening, canning and drying and creative budgeting ideas.

The Helping Hand is a charitable nonprofit corporation, chartered to serve the emergency food needs of Wahkiakum County. It is currently housed in the basement of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church at the corner of Fern Hill Road and SR 4.

The Helping Hand is funded solely by contributions from the community and is open every Tuesday from 10 am. to 3 p.m.