Sisters community fills food bank coffers

The Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank finds itself in an enviable position thanks to the generosity of Sisters community organizations, businesses, and individuals who have provided them financial support in the past. Theirs is a success story of having been in need several years ago, alerting the community, and receiving tremendous support.

Les Schwab Sisters Taylor Tire Center provided $5,400; OnPoint Community Credit Union, $10,000; Sinclair Oil Corporation, $10,000; plus others; bringing the total to $60,000 to $70,000 collected within a week.

As the traditional holiday giving season approaches, Kiwanis wants the public to know that the Food Bank’s operating reserves are estimated to be sizeable enough to fund the operation for about two years.

“We feel this situation is a great blessing,” said Kiwanian Doug Wills. “However, there are other unmet community needs. Kiwanis is suggesting that instead of donating to the food bank this holiday season, consider donating to the Sisters Kiwanis Community Service Foundation, a separate Kiwanis funding source which supports a number of other worthy causes, or give to other Sisters’ charities.”

Kiwanis finds themselves not needing funds for the food bank for two main reasons: The first is the aforementioned level of financial support given the food bank. Secondly, the amount of food distributed over the last year has dropped. They are not sure why food demand has declined. The main expenses for the food bank are utilities and insurance. The building itself is free and clear.

Because of their dedicated volunteers, the food bank has essentially maintained its normal weekly operating schedule all through the COVID pandemic this past year. They also maintained or improved the range of food products and fresh vegetables given out (when available).

The Sisters Kiwanis Foundation is solely operated by Club members and other community volunteers. There are no paid positions. All the money donated to the Foundation is distributed to worthy causes, charities, or individuals. The Foundation supports numerous local charities, capital improvements, and scholarships. It built and operates the food bank.

The Foundation board is made up of Dave Cox, president, Jan Failing, vice president in charge of fundraising and allocation, Doug Wills, vice president in charge of the food bank, Dick Steiner, secretary, and Mike Robillard, treasurer. The Kiwanis board is made up of 12 other Kiwanis members.

According to Wills, “Funds will continue to be used to provide food to those in need in the Sisters community. When the time comes to replenish the food bank’s operating reserves, Kiwanis will communicate the need for more funds. We are confident the Sisters community will respond to that call. At this time, we want to thank everyone for their amazing support.”