Bonney Lake Big Give Helps Bring Thanksgiving to Those in Need

On Saturday, Nov. 19, volunteers took to an open retail space, space 20069, in the development to give thanks through a Big Give. , and Albertsons teamed up to provide a full Thanksgiving meal to those in need.  By 9am the line was wrapped around the building as families anticipated their Thanksgiving meals.

Last year, the food bank distributed nearly 300 meals during the Thanksgiving season and Open Life did the Big Give for 150 families specifically from . After last year the idea came to unite their efforts and finances to create one organized and Big event where all the needs of the community could be met through one engaging moment.  

“By creating a voucher system that could be distributed prior to the Big Give through the Food Bank and the Sumner School District we were able to feed more families this year by eliminating much of the double up.” Thad Huff, lead pastor of Open Life expressed.

“Our goal from the beginning of starting the Big Give, which we have done in other communities in our region, was to meet the practical needs of our cities during the holidays. Everyone should be able to give thanks and enjoy a full meal with a 15lb. or larger turkey, potatoes, pie, rolls you name it…they get it. This is not a small portion, but a generous gift put together with love by our amazing volunteers.  The holidays have enough stress of their own, we just want to eliminate the stress of affording a Thanksgiving meal for the whole family.”

Volunteers came from Bonney Lake High School, Open Life, The Food Bank and from within the community. “People love to give back this time of year.  We had over 60 volunteers come out to give thanks and bless those who would have otherwise been looking at a dismal aspect of the season.  Imagine your families get together without the meal.  How could we wish that on some other persons Thanksgiving.”

The need was met in Bonney Lake this year and all the extra food that was donated went to supply the Food Banks shelves for those who were not able to make it Saturday morning.

Next year we are sure there will be even more expectancy for the Big Give. Many people were surprised when they showed up just how efficient and hospitable the event was. Some were not sure there would truly be enough food, but as promised if they received a voucher a meal was awaiting them!

Starbucks even brought out some coffee to share with those in line which just added to the amazing event. If you would like to be a part of this next year or would like to donate towards the over $10,000 price tag, please email BigGive@livinglifeopen.com. Don’t miss your chance to give back in a big way! 

Give thanks by giving back.