Cup of Sunshine food drive runs through July 15

The second annual Cup of Sunshine Food Donation Challenge began June 1.

The event, designed to support local food banks and the people who use them, is the brainchild of Jabber Shack owner, Sue Zabel. She’s challenging all the businesses in Wahkiakum County, west of KM and east, to participate in the food drive.

This year, she said, even the employees at the Wahkiakum County Courthouse want to join in on the fun.

“We live in the best community,” Zabel said.

With children out of school, and some parent’s and senior’s cupboards looking a little emptier than usual with the decrease in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, benefits which help people with low incomes supplement their food budget, Zabel wants to help.

“At one point I needed help and I got help from the food banks for my children, Zabel said. “I said if I ever had a chance to give back, I would.”

All the food banks in the county will benefit from the drive, which is sponsored by the Lions Club.

Look for signs at participating businesses, where they will collect non-perishable items and other necessities like toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, feminine hygiene, and more. Please do not bring expired food items, food that requires refrigeration, or previously opened containers.

The event began on June 1 and will continue through July 15. Lions Club members will pick up the donations at all the participating businesses and then distribute them to all Wahkiakum food banks.

The Lions Club will also collect donations at their fireworks stand this year.

The business to bring in the most donations wins bragging rights and the Cup of Sunshine, a trophy created each year by local artist Ruth Doumit.

Last year’s winners were the employees at Bank of the Pacific.

Questions? Contact Zabel at 360-904-6065.