Mukilteo Beacon - Your Hometown News Source

After over 20 months of COVID protocols, the community continues to reel from food shortages, rises in the cost of living, modified work schedules, or worse, job loss.

The economic downturn has affected everyone. Although we are slowly rebounding from these challenges, many families in Mukilteo will struggle to enjoy the holidays.

Being in a small community means neighbors reach out to neighbors, and Tapped Mukilteo is no exception. They are collaborating with Kiwanis Club of Mukilteo, People's Storage, Travis Industries, and others to offer Thanksgiving dinner to 120 eligible families.

Tapped Mukilteo, who recently received the Mukilteo Chamber of Commerce's New Business of the Year award, connected with Kiwanis of Mukilteo to see if its fFoundation would be open to sponsoring a portion of the event. The foundation donated $500, with People's Storage matching that amount. Travis Industries, which networks often with service organizations, elected to underwrite the purchase of 60 turkeys. Several community members also donated funds after learning about this dinner. With the meal subsidized, Tapped Mukilteo moved forward adding a clothing drive to the effort and other area businesses pitched in.

Local families, who are struggling, may contact the Mukilteo School District to be placed on a list. It will be a first-come, first-served basis, pending eligibility. Tapped Mukilteo will prepare, package, and have the meals available for pick-up at a pre-scheduled time. Families will have the opportunity to choose a clothing item at the same time, as available. Those without transportation may make arrangements for delivery.

Oprah Winfrey once said, "Helping others is the way we help ourselves." As we enter this season of gratitude, we are grateful for the opportunity to help our community.