Generous Gift in Olympia Will Help Feed Community
The Salvation Army in Olympia has received a generous gift to help tackle hunger in their community. This past Wednesday, they announced that a $250,000 gift from the C. Keith Birkenfeld Memorial Trust will be used to expand their daily community meal program.
The community meal program in Olympia has grown to serve 200 guests per meal per day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) – for approximately 18,000 meals per month. The expansion of the program will include a renovated commercial kitchen, larger dining room, and ability to seat more guests per meal.
Captain Mark Stearns, director of The Salvation Army in Olympia, applauds the Birkenfeld Trust for the gift and its positive impact on the community. “Our meal program has been bursting at the seams for years,” he explained. “As attendance has grown, guests have only a few minutes to receive their food and dine. After the renovation, we’ll have ample space for cooking, and guests can enjoy their meal with dignity in our new dining room.”
Claire Bishop, director of the C. Keith Birkenfeld Trust explains why The Salvation Army was selected for this gift. “Keith Birkenfeld believed in the Salvation Army’s skill and compassion to heal the lifelong wounds of poverty and despair. He also thought that encouraging self-reliance yielded a new foundation upon which to re-build a life. We are fortunate to have The Salvation Army on the front lines of those caring for others – their steadfast support inspires us and many others to give generously – because we trust their results.”
The kitchen and dining room will be moved from its existing location to another part of the property, at 824 5th Ave SE, and expected to be completed in summer 2019. Also, The Salvation Army will renovate and upgrade its shelter in Olympia, expected to be completed later this year. Funding from the City of Olympia, Thurston County, City of Lacey, and City of Tumwater will also contribute to these improvements.
Captain Dora Stearns, Claire Bishop, and Captain Mark Stearns pose following the C. Keith Birkenfield check presentation
Established in 1889, The Salvation Army in Olympia provides social services to families in need. In addition to the community meal and homeless shelter, The Salvation Army also provides emergency utility assistance, eviction prevention, and disaster services. Last year, The Salvation Army in Olympia served more than 3,400 individuals in the community.