To those who gave, thanks

Published 12:27 pm Saturday, April 26, 2008

Even as households across the island lay plans for Christmas feasts, we might cast one last, fond look back at Thanksgiving.

Specifically, take satisfaction in the knowledge that so many islanders opened up their larders for unknown strangers, and that so many more households enjoyed a holiday repast as a result. So reports Robin Denis, coordinator of Helpline’s Project Wishbone, summing up the success of the agency’s annual November food drive. The numbers:

Project Wishbone served 170 households, an increase of 20 from the previous year. More than 90 complete meals were donated (up from the usual 60) in addition to literally thousands of pounds of food (estimated to be in excess of 20,000 lbs.) which were compiled into additional “Thanksgiving boxes.” Over $20,000 was donated by the community, Robin reports, while many volunteers unpacked, sorted, packed thoughtful boxes, and helped families carry goods to their cars. And Review readers should recall the front-page image of Ordway Elementary School students – all 395 of them – trundling up Madison Avenue, each bearing food donations to fill out Helpline’s stores.

A greater testament to the drive’s success may be found in the sheer breadth of participation amongst businesses and community groups, and the many who gave through Town & Country’s gift card program. Robin writes:

“Town & Country and the Bainbridge High School both featured Project Wishbone on their readerboards, as did Island Fitness, who also hosted a well-used donation box for Helpline. The Pumpkin Project of Bay Hay raised both cash and food items, Boy Scout Troop 1496 conducted a wildly successful food drive at Safeway. Leaps & Bounds, St. Barnabas Day School, and the B.I. Child Care Center all had successful food drives. Sakai Intermediate School’s 6th grade donated 1,610 food items, the BHS National Honor Society, many other scout troops, health clubs, and doctor’s offices all brought in donations, and Ordway School marched their donations down to Helpline one sunny afternoon. Many neighborhood groups, a few businesses, and many individuals and families, as well as the 4H Club made substantial contributions. Ongoing donations from a very wide variety of faith organizations and churches contributed mightily to our efforts. St. Vincent’s (through St. Cecilia Church) exceeded their previous year’s generosity, and the Church of the Latter Day Saints had a very large food drive benefiting our project. We salute you all, and admire your fund-raising creativity, and most especially, your generosity.”

Perhaps the greatest tribute to Project Wishbone’s success can be found in the following letter from a beneficiary – proof positive that wishes made on wishbones really come true:

Dear Helpline Community –

Best Wishes and Happy Holidays! From a Client

*************

Correction

• A Saturday story incorrectly reported that 1st Con­gress­ional District challenger Larry Ishmael would serve only one term if elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Ishmael has pledged to serve no more than six terms.