SPOKANE, Wash. — As the holiday season approaches, a local nonprofit organization in Spokane is working tirelessly to make sure no one goes without a warm meal, not just during the holidays, but year-round.
The Spokane Helpers Network, founded by Susan McDonald Osborne, has grown from a simple idea during the pandemic to a vital community resource, providing meals, hygiene products and essential support to families in need across Spokane County.
It all began in 2020 when Osborne, like many others, noticed the struggles people faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. As unemployment rates soared and families were hit hard financially, Osborne wanted to do something to help. After seeing countless posts online about people losing their jobs and struggling to put food on the table, she decided to take action.
"I was reading people’s struggles, and I thought, 'Is there something I can do?'" Osborne said.
She began reaching out on Facebook, posting in community groups to ask if anyone needed help. What she didn’t expect was the overwhelming response. Dozens of local residents, many with similar feelings of helplessness, jumped at the chance to volunteer.
"People responded saying, 'Yeah, I want to join you. I want to help,'" Osborne said.
And just like that, the idea for the Spokane Helpers Network was born.
The operation started small, with Osborne organizing deliveries of food and basic necessities from the basement of her South Hill home. Initially, it was a volunteer-run effort to provide immediate relief to those hit hardest by the economic shutdown, but the need in the community was far greater than Osborne had anticipated, and what began as a one-woman mission quickly turned into a full-fledged nonprofit organization.
Today, the Spokane Helpers Network has nearly 100 active volunteers, and in 2024 alone, the group has provided over $40,000 worth of food, hygiene products and other essentials to families in need. This growth has been driven not only by the increasing demand, but also by the generosity of the Spokane community, who continue to donate their time, money and resources.
The Spokane Helpers Network operates on a simple yet effective model. Each delivery includes three meal kits, designed to feed a family of four for an entire week. These kits are made up of essential ingredients, all donated by local businesses, individuals and organizations. Volunteers then deliver the packages directly to the homes of families in need, ensuring that no one has to go without.
“We make sure that the families we help receive everything they need to prepare healthy meals,” Osborne said. “All the ingredients are 100% donated, and volunteers make all the deliveries.”
The Spokane Helpers Network has created a compassionate and no-judgment environment where people can access support without the stigma that often comes with asking for help.
"We’ll help people up to three times, no questions asked," Osborne said. "After that, we may start guiding them toward other resources from larger organizations."
For Osborne, the support of the volunteers, including many retirees who have committed to ongoing service, is what keeps the organization going.
"We have a lot of retirees who say, ‘Yes, let’s keep going,’" Osborne said. "Their dedication is inspiring."
As the Spokane Helpers Network looks toward the future, Osborne is determined to keep expanding its reach. For now, the nonprofit is focused on ensuring that families in need are not forgotten—especially during the holiday season when the demand for food and support is at its peak.
"This is a season of giving, and it’s a reminder that if there is a will to help those in need, there is always a way," Osborne said.
The Spokane Helpers Network proves that even in the most difficult times, the Spokane community can come together to make a difference, one meal at a time.
The Spokane Helpers Network continues to rely on donations and volunteers to fulfill its mission. Those interested in contributing can visit their website or reach out to the organization online to find out how they can help.
With the holiday season upon us, the Spokane Helpers Network reminds us all that it's not just about receiving gifts — it’s about giving back to the community and ensuring that everyone has a chance to enjoy a warm meal and a better tomorrow.