SPOKANE, Wash. — A local nonprofit is calling on Spokane restaurants and chefs to help with their mission.
The Spokane Helpers Network is volunteer-based and provides weekly food, hygiene kits, and other resources to those in need.
“We’re small, and we’re mighty,” smiled SHN Executive Director Susan McDonald Osborn.
Every Monday, volunteers gather in her basement, also known as the SHN headquarters, to pack bags delivered across Spokane.
McDonald Osborn came up with the idea of giving back after seeing the impacts of COVID on local households. “I just posted something on Nextdoor and said hey, I know many of you are struggling for food, happy to help.”
Shortly after that post, people began contacting her about how they could join the effort to help out. “Today, we have about 100 active giving members,” McDonald Osborn explained.
As efforts to give back continue to grow, SHN wants to show appreciation for those who donate.
They’re hoping to work with local businesses that might be interested in providing gift certificates for those committed to volunteering at an upcoming appreciation event. “We have members that either volunteer their time, make donations of food or hygiene items, and then we have members who contribute financially as well,” McDonald Osborn said.
This year alone, SHN has assisted 700 households and delivered 1,800 meal kits.
The nonprofit has a strong social media presence to reach those who cannot visit a food bank.
In addition to the kits, the nonprofit has provided 703 bus passes to help people get to job interviews and jobs.
“It’s amazing to me how such a small number of people can really have a big impact on the community,” smiled McDonald Osborn.