Food banks are facing serious shortages as they scramble to keep up with the sudden surge in demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. People who have never needed help before, are turning to food banks for the first time. To raise awareness of the shortages, and to provide a creative tool for managing stress, O Bee hosted the Color-for-Cash contest – an online coloring contest for adults with a total of $3,000 in cash prizes. Over 1,000 people entered, and six lucky south sound residents split the award money. O Bee matched the contest giveaway by donating $3,000 each to Thurston County Food Bank and Nourish Pierce County.
Family Support Center operates Pear Blossom Place, a 24/7 family shelter in Olympia. When COVID-19 was recognized as a national threat, they relocated some of the families they serve to the nearby Quality Inn Hotel to allow for more social distancing. On Friday, May 22, 2020, a fire broke out, the hotel was evacuated and later deemed a total loss. No one was injured, but 15 houseless families staying there lost everything. O Bee stepped in to help and donated $5,000 to purchase needed supplies.
Much has changed in the past few months, but one thing that will never change is O Bee’s commitment to the South Sound community. As a not-for-profit credit union, we are guided by the principle of “people helping people.” We are all in this together. If you are able, consider donating to one of these critical community organizations. Cash, food donations and volunteers are always welcome.
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