Editorial: Neighbors help each other at FISH Food Bank

During a time filled with economic turmoil and confusion — from future uncertainty in a Presidential election, to potential government buyouts, all the way down to the food you will put on your dining room table tonight — one thing is certain: Neighbors will continue to help neighbors.

We’re lucky to live in an area where people are as kind and generous as any place on Earth, and one of the places that embodies that spirit is the Gig Harbor Peninsula FISH Food Bank.

Not only is FISH a place to go for help, it’s a place to volunteer your help. It’s where you can give both perishable and non-perishable food items as well as your services, which may include anything from clothing to household goods — even transportation.

It’s unfortunate to say the demand is outgrowing the supply, but the fact of the matter is more people need help. We hope this community will be able to deliver like it always has in the past.

Pretty soon, the holiday season will be upon us. The temperatures began a noticeable drop just this week. Halloween and Thanksgiving are right around the corner, and Christmas isn’t too far behind.

And while the holidays typically draw the most attention for donations and volunteer hours, it’s important to keep places like FISH in your thoughts whenever you have something extra, no matter what the calendar says, because those in need are in their situation regardless of the time of the year, however temporary it may be.

FISH is fully funded by donations and is currently attempting to raise $100,000. Earlier this month, the organization was about halfway there.

But it needs more support.

Outside of food, Christmas toys and baskets, FISH also offers counseling through area schools. In addition, there are summer camps for at-risk students, a program supported by some of the community’s financial donations.

FISH is an organization that’s easy to stand behind because it promotes all the images the word “neighbor” can conjure. It needs more neighbors like you.