On behalf of all of us at the Mount Si Helping Hands Food Bank, I want to thank those who contributed to the recent ACE Hardware makeover of the food bank. A special thanks goes to Marcia, who spent many hours organizing the event. As with the food bank itself, the makeover was truly a community event.

The prime contributor to the event was ACE Hardware, but, thanks also go to the many other local businesses that contributed. The support provided by local businesses is another reason to shop here in the Valley. Thanks also go to the many people who donated their time and talents.

As coordinator of the food bank, my main concern was being ready for food distribution the next day. Because of the hard work of many people, we were ready for the distribution by 7 p.m.

The response of the people who use the food bank was dramatic. The main comment was that it looked so much bigger. Some even asked if we’d moved a wall. Many also commented on how much nicer the place looked.

My main observation is how the makeover improves the operations of the food bank. Formerly the distribution line was congested as people picked out their food (we offer choices of food). The first distribution after the remodel ran so smoothly I wondered if fewer people were being served, but there was no reduction in usage.

The makeover also greatly reduced our storage problem, which will cause major improvements in operation.

Ken McCarty

Mount Si Helping Hands Food Bank – North Bend