NK Fishline Client Re-Registration

Starting Wednesday, Jan. 2nd, NK Fishline will begin its annual client re-registration.  Each year, clients must verify their information such as address, contact info, family members and income.  This is to help ensure that the information we have for our clients is accurate.  This year, the process is a little easier as clients won’t need to complete a new form if nothing has changed over the year.  Hopefully, things will go quicker than in the past, but the first few days will be very busy. 

Clients, please note these re-registration requirements and allow a few extra minutes for the process.

Volunteers, we will need help for clients complete forms if needed, and also to collect signatures in case there is no change in information from 2012.   If you are available to take a shift next week (January 2nd to January 4th) or the week after (January 7th to 11th) to assist us with this important project, please contact us.  We will need two volunteers per shift for two weeks, so let us know if you are interested and able to take a shift or two.

Also, just a reminder that Fishline will be open New Year’s Eve from 10-1 and closed New Year’s Day.

Happy New Years to you all!

This Week's Most Needed Items: Do You Have a Coffee Grinder You Aren't Using?

Do you have a large coffee bean grinder that you are not using or would like to donate?  NK Fishline is in need of this very useful piece of equipment.  If you have one you are not using, please consider donating it to us.

For our clients in need, especially those who may be homeless, bottled water is a useful and convenient option.  This is an item that we can always use.  We also collect recycled water bottles to distribute laundry detergent.  Please drop these donations and recycled items for use at the food bank.

Canned fruit is a great option for our clients, during the holidays and all throughout the year.  Collection bins for NK Fishline at Albertsons, Central Market, Red Apple, and Starbucks.  Please consider picking up some cans of canned fruit and dropping it off at these locations.

We are always in need of diapers, sizes 3, 4, 5 & 6.  Please drop these off at the food bank or other collection locations listed above.

Announcement for NK Fishline's Indianola Clients

Just a reminder that as of the first of the year,  NK Fishline will no longer be providing full services to Indianola clients.  We will invite clients to shop our front market, but eboxes and commodities should be received via Sharenet.  They are located at:  26021 United Rd, Suite A, in Kingston.  

Sharenet will also be advising their Suquamish clients that they should receive full service from Fishline.  In this way, we can provide a simple, consistent approach to who services which clients.  

We provide full service to Poulsbo, Suquamish and Keyport, and Sharenet provides full service to Kingston, Port Gamble, Indianola and Hansville.

We’ve posted notices throughout the front market and asked the receptionists to alert our Indianola clients when they visit this week.  Please feel free to contact us or Sharenet with any questions!

Merry Christmas to Our Dearest Volunteers

On this holiday, I wanted to express to you, on behalf of Fishline, its Board of Directors and its staff, a warm thank you for all you have done for Fishline and Second Season throughout the year. 

We have had a very full year, with many changes, some heartbreaking, others rejuvenating.  We have had to accommodate a growing client data base with increasing needs, done it in a building we outgrew years ago and you have handled it all with patience and grace.  You serve our clients and our customers with compassion and respect, and you work harder than anyone has a right to expect.  You have participated in special projects, helped create a new food bank system that is now an example for others to follow, kept up with the mountains of food and thrift items that our generous community donated.

You do all this, not because you are paid, but because you care about your neighbors.  It is inspiring to be part of this work and witness the contribution it is making to our community.  It would not be possible were it not for your commitment and your belief in the Fishline mission.

We wish you a blessed, fulfilling holiday!

Executive, Staff, and Board of Directors

What Does A Facebook "LIKE" Mean to NK Fishline?

Facebook is such an incredible sharing tool. The social media service recently launched a campaign, emphasizing the different ways that Facebook connect us:  chairs are like Facebook, bringing people together around a dinner table, living room, sharing meals and chats; cake is like Facebook, bringing people together to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other events.  Time and time again, it demonstrates how people all over the world can influence and change others lives, just with a simple "SHARE."

At NK Fishline, we would like to encourage you to not only "Like" our page, but to share it as well.  When sharing our message, not only are you supporting NK Fishline, you are also sharing a message that may reach those that can utilize and benefit the most from the services that we offer.

Currently, we have 200 "likes" on our page.  If each of these people shared our page with their friends, family, and community -- suddenly, those 200 people in our online community have utilized their own Facebook pages as billboards of information that could help others. 

Recent changes have made Facebook for business and group pages a little different. Did you know that "liking" a page doesn't guarantee that you will see our posts if you don't visit our page often?

Here's how can you make sure you see all of our announcements after "liking" our page:

When you hover over "like", click on "Get notifications" & Show in News Feed" so that you continue to see our posts. When you see the check marks, you have turned on these options.

It's fun to share cute pictures and updates, especially to our friends and family.  But when you share NK Fishline's Facebook page or one of our announcements, you are sending out a message that could change someone's day, week, month or life.  Not only do we solicit volunteers, donations, and support for our food drives -- we also send out announcements about free community meals, Holiday meals, and information about the resources we offer and help we provide -- including our front market and emergency resources for families in need.

We hope you will not only join our online communities, but share them with others as well.   Click here to join us on Facebook, and here to follow us on Twitter.

Severe Weather Shelter Plan in Effect for Kitsap County

The following message is from Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management:

Kitsap County, Washington:  Due to freezing weather conditions, Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management has activated the county’s Severe Weather Shelter Plan.

This year there is only one shelter.

The location is as follows:
Bremerton Food Line
1600 12th Street
Bremerton, WA 98337

The shelter will serve all citizens in our area who require safe overnight refuge where none is available.

For more information about the process, call 211 or call Kitsap Community Resources at (360)-478-2301. You can also visit the Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management webpage here.

Important: Holiday Hours

Please take note of our holiday hours this week.

Wednesday, December 19th
10am to 7pm
The front market will be open regular hours. We will be passing out Christmas baskets but there will be no E-boxes on this day. 

Thursday, December 20th
10am to 1pm
 The front market will be open regular hours. We will be passing out Christmas baskets but there will be no E-boxes on this day.

Friday, December 21st
10am to  1pm
The front market will be open regular hours. We will be passing out Christmas baskets but there will be no E-boxes on this day.

We will be closed on December 22nd, 23rd, 24th, and 25th for the Christmas Holiday. 

We will reopen on December 26, 27, & 28 -- normal business hours. 

We will be open on December 31st from 10am to 1pm and closed on New Year's Day. 

This Week's Most Needed Items: It's Getting Chilly!

This week's most needed items at NK Fishline include:

Canned Chili
Canned Chili can be donated at any food drives or collection bins at Albertson's, Central Market, Red Apple Grocery Store, or Starbucks in Poulsbo.  

Bottled Water
Bottled water can be donated at any of the above locations.  Large multi-bottle packages can also be dropped off directly at the food bank.  We also recycle and collect empty water bottles.  These can also be dropped off at the food bank.

Frozen Meats (Packaged meat from meat department that can be frozen)
We accept fresh pre-packaged meats that can be stored and frozen and have not passed their expiration date. 

Image Source:  Fun, Cheap, or Free

Diapers (Sizes 3, 4, 5 & 6)
There is always a need for baby/toddler sized diapers 3, 4, 5, and 6. 

Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Have You Caught the Generosity Bug? It's CONTAGIOUS!

When a local Payless employee saw some of the shoes in her store were on sale for a great price, a thought came to her. She could purchase some of these shoes and donate them to Fishline for its Christmas Toy Shop. When she told her manager and the other employees about her idea, they gladly decided to join her and do the same.

As she related the exciting plans to her bank teller later that week, the teller was inspired and offered to help her purchase some more. Then the teller told her co-workers and they were excited to participate. By the end of the week, 60 pairs of new shoes, ranging in sizes and for all ages, were on their way to Fishline, ready to be a wonderful surprise under the tree for many deserving Fishline clients.

A friend of a volunteer, living in another country, heard of the many good works being done at Fishline and offered a donation. Writing a check to our volunteer, the far-away supporter came up with a nice twist, recommending that our volunteer seek out the greatest need at this moment and use the money for the most pressing client problems. As our volunteer talked to others about this generous act, they added to the donation with their own, intrigued by the ways this seed of kindness could do good. Before she knows it, our volunteer has more money, material donations and even piles of firewood left on her porch for distribution.

A school bus is parked at a local school, but this one isn't being used to transport students. It stands at the ready, accepting donations of food and clothing for at-risk youth. We hear that the bus filled up fast, donations compounding into more with each passing day, and by the time the campaign is over, it will be full, a testimony to the care and concern students feel for one another.

Generosity is contagious, it turns out. It sometimes starts small, an idea or a spontaneous moment that comes unexpectedly. But the human spirit responds to these moments of beauty, is nourished by them, and what begins as an innocent act becomes an influence that lingers in our hearts, spurring us to action. It is this wondrous dynamic that makes it possible for our community to offer solace and
support to those who need it the most.

While the spotlight often shines on the elements of life that drain us, the violent or disturbing occasions that make us wonder about the state of the world, in the background often hidden from view, another story is being written. It is a story of kindness, of selflessness, of love for neighbor that is powerful, even transcendent. For every negative act, there are hundreds that lift our spirits and remind us that we have what it takes to create a community where love wins.

From our Fishline family to yours, we wish you a wonderful holiday season.

Fishline Celebrates December's Community Partner: Union Bank

Every Thursday, part of the Fishline team includes a member of the Union Bank staff. Wearing their signature red Union Bank shirt, 1 of 8 staff members takes turns coming to Fishline. They work hard and love it, and they have become a very valuable part of our Thursday morning team.

NK Fishline Executive Director Mary Nader & Union Bank Manager Kathy Denton

While they are volunteering, they are also on the payroll for Union Bank. In an innovative move, Manager Kathy Denton decided to offer her employees a chance to give back to the community without losing paid hours. So she came up with this idea, believing that employees are happier when they know they are contributing, and "happy employees lead to happy customers".

This is just one of the ways our local Union Bank branch is helping Fishline. Walk in the door, and right away you'll see a display inviting food donations, with a different spotlight each month, based on the Fishline need at this time. First, it was peanut butter. Then Spaghetti pasta and sauce. Now, it is "chilly chili" month. Each month, hundreds of pounds of the needed item flow into Fishline, thanks to the employees and customers who bring them in.

This is the kind of partnership for which Fishline is very grateful. So for December, we named Union
Bank as our Community Partner of the Month. Thank you, Kathy and the Union Bank Team!

Giving the Gift of Fishline

What to get for the person who has everything?  Searching for the perfect Christmas present always adds stress to this time of the year.  Here are some unique gift ideas that would benefit not only the recipient, but NK Fishline and the neighbors that are helped through our efforts:

Food for Thought

 
Food for Thought is a NK Fishline program providing weekend meals for children in need in the North Kitsap Community.  You can read more about program here.  By becoming a Backpack Friend, a person can sponsor one child for a period of one month, semester, year, or for a one month long sponsorship for an entire school! Consider a sponsorship in someone's name as a Christmas gift that will go a long way!  We can send a gift card letting the person know that a child has been sponsored in their name for the holiday!

 Click here to sponsor a child for one month: $25
 Click here to sponsor a child for one semester: $100
 Click here to sponsor a child for one year: $250
 Click here to commit to a one month-long sponsorship for an entire school : $1000
 Click here to make a donation in any amount to the Food for Thought program.

When asked to enter "special instructions," you can let us know that you would like to sponsor a child and the name and address of the person you are gifting the sponsorship to.  By giving this gift,  you will gain the satisfaction of knowing you have helped a child grow into his/her potential and invested in a community where all have the basics of life.


Holiday Baskets 

Donate a Christmas dinner on behalf of your gift recipient.  We have a list of items and the quantities that can go in the baskets. Just let us know how many families you would like to sponsor. The baskets are distributed through NK Fishline and your loved one would receive a card indicating that a basket was donated in their name.  

Toy shop: Fishline will again sponsor a toy shop for clients to come and shop for toys for their children. Donations of new toys, books, or games will be accepted. Also keep in mind older kids with donations of gift cards. Gift items can be dropped off at many local businesses until Dec 6 or directly to Fishline up to Dec. 11th.


Donations

Monetary donations are always welcome. When you donate on someone's behalf to NK Fishline during the holidays, the money can go towards food for the food bank, Christmas baskets, or toys for the Toy Shop. Click here to donate thru Paypal.  You can also mail your donation to NK Fishline, 18916 NE Third Ave, Poulsbo, WA  98370. 

Give the Gift of Volunteering

Volunteering as a family is a great gift for parents and kids alike.  At NK Fishline, you can spend time together during this busy season, teach your kids the value of service, and contribute to the community, all in one place.  We are also always looking for volunteers to help set up the Toy Shop and pack and distribute the food baskets. Contact our volunteer coordinator to learn more.




~ 

Won't You Give Us A "Ham?!"

When you're out and about, gearing up for Christmas, don't forget about your neighbors in need.  At NK Fishline, we are busy preparing collecting and preparing Christmas baskets, as well as accepting donations for our Toy Shop. 

Won't you give us a "HAM?" Here are our most needed items this week:

- Ham (for Christmas dinners)

- Canned Sweet Potatoes

Toy Shop donations will be accepted until THIS THURSDAY, December 6th at the following locations:

Curves​​​​​

Chamber of Commerce ​, 19351 8th Avenue, Ste 108

NK Herald​​​​, 18887 State Hwy 303

1st Security Bank​​​, 19519 7th Avenue

Farmer's Insurance​​​, 19168 - B Jensen Way​

Sport Haus​​​​, 19505 7th Avenue​

Poulsbo Parks and Recreation, ​​19540 Front Street

Poulsbo Fire Station, ​​​911 Liberty Road

First Lutheran Church​​​, 18920 4th Avenue​

Hostmark Apartments​​​

Poulsbo Athletic Club​​​

Join Us for a Big Band Christmas!

Join us on December 8, 2012 from 7pm to 10pm at the Sons of Norway Lodge, located on 18891 Front Street in Downtown Poulsbo for a Big Band Christmas with "Buz Whiteley's Big Band!"

The event is sponsored by North Point Church and all proceeds will benefit NK Fishline.  There will be raffle baskets and refreshments.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/285020 or at the following locations:

Second Seasons Thrift Shop, Poulsbo

Marina Market, Poulsbo

Tickets will also be available at the door!

Giving Doesn't Stop After Thanksgiving!

Remember, holiday giving doesn't stop after Thanksgiving.  Here's a list of different ways you can give during the holiday season:

Holiday Baskets: You put together a holiday dinner for Thanksgiving and/or Christmas. We have a list of items and the quantities that can go in the baskets. Just let us know how many families you would like to sponsor. The baskets are brought to Fishline for distribution.

Holiday Food Collection: Perishables such as turkey, ham, celery, pies and rolls, as well as, stuffing, canned yams, canned vegetables, cranberry sauce, chicken broth, and aluminum baking pans. We will be collecting items from now until Dec. 15th.

Toy shop: Fishline will again sponsor a toy shop for clients to come and shop for toys for their children. Donations of new toys, books, or games will be accepted. Also keep in mind older kids with donations of gift cards. Gift items may be brought to Fishline up to Dec. 11th.

Adopt a Family:  We also offer the option of adopting out a family for you to provide gifts. We will provide you with the necessary information to make gift buying fun and easy. Last day to adopt a family is Dec. 9th.

Basic Food Collection: This is needed anytime of year. Staples: peanut butter, jelly, cereal, crackers, pasta or rice, toilet paper. The Fishline website lists many more needs.

Monetary donations are always welcome. We will use it to buy food for the baskets and toys for the toy shop. We are also always looking for volunteers to help set up the Toy Shop and pack and distribute the food baskets.

Contact NK Fishline to help with the items above!

Volunteering During the Holidays

Want to volunteer during the holidays? 


Here are some tips to make volunteering during the holidays easier from HandsOnBlog:

• Start Early - Just like doing all of your holiday shopping before the rush of Black Friday makes your holiday gift giving a little bit easier, so will starting a relationship with the nonprofit you want to volunteer at during the holidays as early as possible.  Whether it’s to start volunteering, or to sign up for events during the holiday season, starting a relationship with a nonprofit before the holiday rush will make it easier to volunteer during the holidays.

• Be Realistic About the Time You Can Commit - Lets face it, no matter how well you plan things, something’s going to happen to make your well planned holiday time line fall apart.  When you sign up for that volunteer event, be sure to stick to the amount of time you think you’ll have available.  Don’t try to squeeze in an all day event if you only have a few hours.

• Be Flexible - Your ideal type volunteer opportunity might not be available when you can volunteer.  Use the opportunity to try something that you’ve never done before!  It just might be your new favorite thing.

• Donate - If you can’t find an opportunity to volunteer that fits your schedule and what you want to do, consider taking the time you were going to volunteer and turn it into a donation.  Ask the us what we really need and try to fill that need.  We may have specific projects or items that we are short of, and that may be the best way to contribute.  You’re still supporting the Fishline and its clients, but you’re able to do it at a time and in a way that’s convenient for you.

• Be the Gift That Keeps On Giving - The holidays aren’t the only time that we need volunteers!  Use your holiday volunteering as a springboard for a relationship with the Fishline.

• Include Your Family - Start a tradition of volunteerism at the holidays with your entire family, and carry it through the year.

• Have Fun - This might be the most important part of your holiday volunteering.  Have fun doing it!

NK Fishline Receives Grant from Bank of America

Special thanks to Bank of America, who last week awarded North Kitsap Fishline with a $2500 grant for our Food for Thought Program.

A little bit about Food for Thought:

Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them. At North Kitsap Fishline, we believe that when you feed a child, you nourish their mind.

A healthy child is the goal of families, but it isn’t always easy. Economic pressures and work that takes parents away from the home are just a few factors that might prevent meal planning or access to  healthy food options for children.

Statistics tell us that 1 in 4 area children suffer from hunger on a regular basis. On many days, the free/reduced lunch program at school are the only meals they can depend on. A hungry child has difficulty concentrating, learning and socializing with teachers, friends and peers. This results in a lost opportunity— and a loss for our community.

Fishline recognized this, and in 2009 established its Food for Thought program. By feeding their bodies, we nourish their minds and send a clear message that we believe in our community’s children and their ability to reach their full potential. By assembling easy-to-prepare, child friendly packs for each weekend day, we are able to provide 3 meals a day plus snacks. Hundreds of area children look forward to Friday afternoons when they receive their meal packs, a reminder that we believe in them.

This heartwarming service has been a great success for our community. Schools have come to rely upon it to offer relief to the sad condition of childhood hunger.

“The Bank of America  Charitable Foundation is dedicated to providing opportunity for all in its commitment to our communities.  Providing support to organizations like North Kitsap Fishline, which provide opportunity and improve the quality of life in our communities, is key to our strategy to build capacities that truly make a difference.”

Visit our webpage to learn more about Food for Thought and how you can help. 

Raffle for Two Beautiful Children's Items at Second Season

Second Season is having a raffle for two very nice children's items:

The first is a beautiful wooden dollhouse, complete with furniture and dolls.  This is sure to be a prized gift for any child (or adult!)

The second is a 66 piece wooden trains set, an awesome addition to any collection or a great starter kit!

How to win? 

Tickets are only $1 and can be purchased at Second Season. The raffle will be on December 15th, and you do not have to be present to win! 

Located on the waterfront in downtown Poulsbo -- 18825 Anderson Parkway, directly across from Liberty Bay, Second Season is not your ordinary resale shop.  Stocked with better-quality clothing, accessories and housewares, shopping becomes an adventure when you never know what you will find.  We receive new items every day, so you'll want to shop often.  All profit from the store goes directly to Fishline, in essence a donation to needy families in our community.

Updated Needs List: Here's What You Can Donate!

Want do donate, but not sure how?  Here is an updated list of our current holiday needs.  When you are out and about enjoying all the great holiday sales, please think of NK Fishline and pick up an extra one or two of the following items:

Turkey & Ham 
During the holiday season, we always need turkey and ham.  These perishable donations can be dropped off at Fishline during our business hours, where we have plenty of freezer space to make sure it stays fresh for our clients.  Click here to view our Thanksgiving week hours.

Dinner rolls

We need packaged dinner rolls for Thanksgiving!!! You can drop this perishable donation directly at Fishline during our business hours.  Click here to view our Thanksgiving week hours.

Celery

Celery?  YES! Celery! We have a small shortage of celery this year.  Since it is difficult to freeze for use later, this is a very perishable item and much needed for the upcoming holiday.  You can drop this perishable donation directly at Fishline during our business hours.  Click here to view our Thanksgiving week hours.

Diapers

While diapers aren't necessarily a holiday item -- we do have a shortage!  If you're not sure what to donate -- this is a much needed item.  We are currently in need of sizes 4, 5, & 6! Donations can be dropped off at any of the food drive locations listed on Facebook:  Albertson's, Central Market, or Marina Market -- or directly at the food bank.  Click here to view our Thanksgiving week hours.

FREE Community Meals, Thanksgiving Week

Monday, November 19, 5pm -- St. Olaf's Catholic Church, Poulsbo

Wednesday, November 21, 5pm to 7pm -- Suquamish UCC

Thursday, November 22, Thanksgiving Meals

1pm -- Gateway Fellowship, Poulsbo

2pm -- First Lutheran, Poulsbo

Saturday, November 24, 11:30 to 1pm -- Gateway Fellowship



 

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Thanksgiving Week Hours at Fishline

Please note Fishline's hours next week:

Monday 10am to 3pm (Front Market, No E-boxes)

Tuesday 10am to 3pm (Front Market, No E-boxes)

Wednesday 10am to 5pm (Front Market, No E-boxes)

Thursday CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING

Click here for a list of locations where Thanksgiving Meals will be served.

Friday 10am to 1pm (Front Market and E-boxes will be available)

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5000+ Visitors to Our Blog!!

Sometime in the wee hours of the morning, North Kitsap Fishline's blog reached 5000+ views!!  For a fairly new blog that focuses on a very specific community, we consider this quite a milestone!  

On our blog, you will find not only our needs -- but news about Fishline, the North Kitsap community that contributes to Fishline, and the many great accomplishments that make doing what we do so wonderful! 

Thank you so much for reading and we hope you will continue to do so! This is just one of many milestones we have reached in growing our community! 

Please subscribe to our blog to receive our posts directly in your email! 

NK Fishline Toy Shop Now Taking Donations

The North Kitsap Fishline Toy Shop allows parents served by the food bank to personally choose the gifts that would bring the most joy to their children. Santa's elves will assist the parents in making their selections from donated new toys, books, games, and clothing. Items for infants through adolescents are needed. Gift cards are especially appreciated for the older teens.

If you wish to donate new unwrapped toys, books, gift cards, games or clothing, please bring those items to one of the following collection sites no later than December 11th:

Curves​​​​​

Chamber of Commerce ​, 19351 8th Avenue, Ste 108

NK Herald​​​​, 18887 State Hwy 303

1st Security Bank​​​, 19519 7th Avenue

Farmer's Insurance​​​, 19168 - B Jensen Way​

Sport Haus​​​​, 19505 7th Avenue​

Poulsbo Parks and Recreation, ​​19540 Front Street

Poulsbo Fire Station, ​​​911 Liberty Road

First Lutheran Church​​​, 18920 4th Avenue​

Hostmark Apartments​​​

Poulsbo Athletic Club​​​

 

For our clients: sign-ups for the Toy Shop will be taken November 15 - December 6th. Participants must live in Poulsbo or Suquamish and have ID and proof of address.

 

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Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Making Every Donation Count

Fishline is the recipient of untold expressions of generosity and support.  We are simply a conduit through which your donations are channeled to the hurting neighbors who seek our help. Without the food, monetary and material donations and the efforts of over 225 volunteers,  Fishline would cease to exist.  We acknowledge this every day and feel a sense of responsibility in assuring what has been entrusted to us will be honored, the intentions of our donors followed.

But the question that is asked often is whether the donations get to those most truly in need.  We continually ask ourselves this same question.  The problem comes in arriving upon fair and respectful ways to evaluate client need, both at the time of their first visit and upon subsequent visits. We can assure you that due diligence is taken to measure client need - when financial help is sought, an extensive screening process is undertaken which may include referrals to professional financial counselors who donate their time to help our clients.  Financial help is only available on an infrequent basis and is reserved for local clients. A cap is placed on the amount that can be approved, but often we work with other local agencies if our help is not enough to stabilize the situation.

When it comes to food, it is harder to measure eligibility.  How do we know if an individual or family is so financially strapped that a trip to the grocery store might use up funds needed for the electric bill?  How can we tell if a senior is forced to make the unbearable choice between  food or prescriptions?  A young adult "couch surfing" because they are out of work and homeless may need food from Fishline just to be able to provide for himself in a tenuous, temporary living situation.  The scenarios are as numerous as the individuals who live them.

Of the more than 100 families who visit Fishline every day, the largest majority  receive services  for a short time while life is in transition.  Jobs are landed, problems resolved, and we see these clients less and less. Others stay longer because unemployment lingers or health problems persist. But nearly all of our clients are careful to not take too much so others have enough, and many clients volunteer or donate in other ways to repay the kindness.

Certainly there are those who  could get by without our help.   We try not to let this be our focus, because we know that there are far more who could not get by without Fishline at this time in their lives.  Our doubts melt away when we see how valiantly folks face their difficulties, humble enough to ask for help when it is needed  and so thankful to receive it that tears flow.  These are the moments that keep us going, the gratitude that lets us know a genuine need has been met and the lives that are better because we are there.  

We Need Turkeys!!

Friends, we are reaching out to you for turkey donations!! Last year we were in a bit of a bind with a turkey shortage and in the 11th hour were overwhelmed by a community who came to our rescue with enough to provide turkeys for all the families who had signed up to receive holiday baskets! 

Where can you get a good deal on a turkey? Plenty of places!! Here are some suggestions:

Safeway has turkey on sale for $.99/lb until November 22nd!! 

Albertson's has Butterball brand turkey for $1.79/lb at least until November 13th! 

Walmart and Central Market also have great deals on this much needed item!

We have plenty of freezer space, so don't be shy! Drop your turkeys off at the food bank -- 18916 NE Third Avenue, Poulsbo.  Our hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday -- from 10am to 3pm, and Wednesdays from 10am to 7pm! 

5th Annual Spirit of Giving Event!!

This Saturday from 5 to 9 pm is the 5th Annual Spirit of Giving Event at the Silverdale Grange. The address is 12535 Clear Creek Road NW in Silverdale.  This is a great event for the entire family!!

For admission you can choose one of the following:

A generous bag of non-perishable food for NK Fishline. Click here for some ideas. 

A new and unwrapped toy for our Christmas toy shop drive.

A check made to your favorite charity, including NK Fishline.

Gently used items for Second Season.  (We accept clothing, home decor, small kitchen items, linens, and books in  gently used and excellent condition for resell.)  

It's a potluck, so bring a dish to share.  

There will be dancing, a silent auction, and tons of children’s activities. This is a fun family event! Contact Claudia at 360-697-1960 or by email for more information. 

Wondering About Our Most Needed Items?

While we accept all kinds of donations of foods, at different times of the year, we may have a higher need for specific items.  During this time period -- we are collecting items that may be more needed during the holidays.  Some suggestions are: 


Chicken Broth
Cranberry Sauce
Canned Yams/Sweet Potatoes
Canned Fruits
Canned Vegetables
Stuffing Mix
Pork and Beans
Peanut Butter
Cereal
Progresso/Hearty Soups
Boxed Meals
Mayonnaise
Vegetable Oil
Coffee
Tea

Donations of ham and turkey are also accepted directly at the food bank! 

Local groceries are having wonderful sales on these items right now! Many thanks to you always for your continued support of you NK Fishline! Without your generous donations, we could not continue to do the work we do supporting our neighbors!! 

Don't Miss This Weekend's Community Events!!

Photo Courtesy of Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce

On Thursday, (tonight) November 8 First Lutheran Church in Poulsbo will host a community dinner between 5-6pm. This is a weekly event. All are welcome. 

Also tonight, Kitsap Community Resources will be hosting a seminar called "Identity Theft and Predatory Lending" at 1201 Park Ave., Bremerton.  Protect yourself and your family from those who would hurt your economic standing or prey upon your vulnerability.  Learn how in this seminar offered by American Financial Solutions, 5:30 to 7 pm. 

On Saturday,  November 10, Gateway Fellowship Church in Poulsbo will also host a community lunch, from 11:30 to 1pm. This is a weekly event and all are welcome. 

Don't forget:  we will be accepting registrations to receive holiday food baskets for Thanksgiving and Christmas at the food bank from now until November 14!! 

Weekend food drives for NK Fishline include:

The Royal Rangers will be hosting a food drive at Central Market all day Saturday and Sunday. 

Pacific Northwest Title will wrap up their food drive with a big push at Safeway in Silverdale from 9am to 5pm Saturday. 

Forest Rock Hills Food Drive in Poulsbo will be held this Saturday -- Neighborhood pick ups will start at 10am!! 

This Saturday from 5 to 9 pm is the 5th Annual Spirit of Giving Event at the Silverdale Grange, address is 12535 Clear Creek Road NW in Silverdale.  

Admission:  A generous bag of non-perishable food for NK Fishline. or other donations like a new, unwrapped toy or a check made out to your favorite charity, or Second Season donations. It's a potluck, so bring a dish to share.  There will be dancing, a silent auction, and tons of children’s activities. This is a fun family event! Contact Claudia at 360-697-1960 or by email for more information. 

Contact NK Fishline to add your event to our calendar! Want to plan ahead? Visit our website to review the events calendar.

Fishline Celebrates November's Community Partner: Albertsons in Poulsbo

This month's community partner is Albertsons grocery store.  Last year, Albertsons donated 102,780 pounds of produce, dairy, baked goods and meat for Fishline's front market and monthly E-boxes.  This year, they have already donated 104,523 pounds!

During the holidays, this longtime supporter is an integral part of the Fishline community, helping with various much needed items.  They also donated two buggies for our new and improved front market.  In the summers, Albertsons allow us to utilize the parking area to stage our "Donation Station" -- where we collect donations of food for Fishline, as well as clothing and household items for Second Season.  Throughout the year, and especially through the holidays, they show their support by permitting several civic groups to gather food donations outside their doors.  

The Albertsons staff is always friendly and helpful when we pick up grocery rescue items.  They are always accommodating when it comes to our needs.  We are so appreciative of their continued generosity!