We represent the congregation of Christ's Church in Elbe, Washington, and the surrounding communities of the Upper Nisqually River Valley, including Alder, Ashford, Elbe, Mineral, and National. We are appealing to the greater Pierce County area merchants for aid and support in our mission of establishing a "food bank" distribution center at our church community center. We are in the process of rebuilding our community center for this purpose and many others at this time.

The Upper Nisqually River Valley communities are small, sparsely populated areas in a five mile range with many unemployed families struggling to survive day-to-day. These towns are remnants of logging communities that have been left devastated after the industries have harvested and moved on, taking hope of employment away with them. DSHS has indicated an upward growth in Public Assistance since 1993, and currently the average income level for this area is $12,000 per year. (The national poverty level has been at $17, 800 and will soon be increasing to $19,000.) Washington State Employment Security Department reports a 50% unemployment rate in this area, as opposed to Pierce County, which is comparatively lower at 4%. Currently, an alarming 74% of students in Columbia Crest Schools are participating in the State School Lunch Program (reduced/free). This high percentage indicates a "severe need" which makes them eligible for reduced/free breakfasts as well.

Christ's Church in Elbe is committed to serving this population and we wish to continue our outreach indefinitely. We have adopted a bread ministry, which began at HOPE ministries in Seattle, Washington. This has been a successful and uplifting outreach program, well received in our community. We have a promising opportunity for a successful food ministry in our future community center. At present, we have a large trailer that we intend to store and distribute the greatly needed food, until the community center is completed.

At this time, we are seeking assistance in the form of financial gifts, food items, and goods from area businesses. We are a not-for-profit, 501c(3) organization, and your donation is tax deductible for your business. Your business will be recognized as a sponsor of our community center project in exchange for your generosity.

We sincerely appreciate your consideration of our plea, especially as the holidays are drawing near, and families are most in need. Please contact us by telephone, mail, or email at your earliest convenience, to discuss your possible contribution. We look forward to hearing from you, and we are happy to answer any questions or concerns you might have regarding this matter.

Sincerely,

Brian Howard, Pastor

& Food Bank Committee Members