Help your neighbors and your community | Guest Viewpoint

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A couple years ago, the Incredible Mrs. Cadorette and I decided to go for a hike in the Darrington area. It was a lovely late spring day. The trail, following alongside the Boulder River, was green and lush with all sorts of ferns and forest flowers. 

It was an out-and-back trail of moderate difficulty due to some downed trees; four miles in and four miles out. 

Reasonably experienced hikers, we set out on the trail. But we forgot two things. First, we forgot we weren’t 20 anymore and four miles in sometimes rough terrain is a long walk. 

And second, we forgot to bring any food! 

About three miles in, we realized our mistake as we began to get hungry. We took a rest stop at the turn around, drank from our water bottles, and wished our old bodies had something to eat. 

The four miles back was much harder. We took a wrong turn and had to right ourselves, our mood was crankier and — I’m embarrassed to say — just before we got to the car, my energy was so lacking I was stumbling on stray rocks and roots. 

I tell you this story, simply to say anyone can find themselves significantly hungry, without food, and in need of assistance — anyone. 

Indeed our Jefferson County Food Banks assist those in places of life-transition and the unhoused. But, just like me, ordinary folks can find themselves without grocery money and payday’s still a week off; or caught between paying the electric bill or buying groceries. 

We’re all aware of rising prices due to supply chain issues and the nation-wide inflation we’re facing. Everything is more expensive; and so making ends meet is harder for everyone. 

That’s where the WAVE FOOD DRIVE comes in. 

Established by local churches 37 years ago, this grassroots, neighbor-loving effort helps our four county food banks [Brinnon, PT, Quilcene, and Tri-Area] do what they do best: Provide food to households in need, equitably, recognizing the dignity of everyone. 

The WAVE — What A Valuable Experience — has two parts.

First, through October partnering churches and community groups gather in non-perishable food and financial donations [list at wavefooddrive.wordpress.com].

Second, Saturday, Oct. 22 is WAVE Food Drive Day! On that day donations can be made all day at QFC stores in Port Townsend and Port Hadlock, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at locations listed at wavefooddrive.wordpress.com. 

Checks can also be mailed to Jefferson County Food Bank Association [PO Box 124, Port Hadlock, WA 98339 — payable to Jefferson County Food Bank Association, noted for WAVE] Or, give online at jeffersoncountyfoodbanks.org. 

Stumbling back down the trail a bit of free food would have been a welcome help for the Incredible Mrs. and me. 

In giving to the WAVE, you’re providing just that sort of help to your neighbors — and what a valuable experience that is! 

(Skip Cadorette is WAVE Food Drive Organizer, pastor of First Baptist Church, and a Port Townsend native. He loves Jesus, his wife, this community, and the beach in that order.)