And the Orcas Island Food Bank has never had a shortage of local support.

Dave and Lina McPeake operate the food bank with assistance from volunteers, handing out items to families every Tuesday in OPALCO’s surplus building behind Dr. Bailey’s office.

Lina says they have never once had to ask for donations in the 24 years she and her husband have been involved. “You’ll never find another place like Orcas.”

That giving spirit is vital every winter, when recipients of the food bank increase. In the summer they serve around 10 families; they are currently serving between 50-60 families.

“Our numbers always zoom for Thanksgiving and Christmas,” added Lina. They gave 55 boxes of food for Thanksgiving, and plan to provide the same number for Christmas. The Orcas Lions Club gave money to buy the turkeys and hams for both occasions and the local girl scouts are making stockings to go into the Christmas boxes.

Lina says they receive donations from all over the island. Several stores in Eastsound have donation jars, the senior center has a donation box that is “always full,” Island Market, Country Corner, and Vern’s all donate, churches give money, and island farmers donate produce. “Every organization has done something to help in the cause,” said Lina.

Individuals bring food as well. Non-perishables can be dropped off anytime on the loading dock at the food bank (a volunteer comes by every day to pick up goods) and perishables can be brought in on Tuesdays.

Canned food, basic staples, and paper products are some of the items needed most. The food bank does not accept clothing, although they will accept items like refrigerators and freezers.

Money donations are used to purchase goods from a food supplier in Seattle, which gives them a discount. The McPeakes also drive to the Bellingham Food Bank once a month to pick up food donated by the government.

Any surplus items or perishable food that won’t keep long is given to Kaleidoscope and DVSAS. “Nothing goes to waste,” said Lina.

The regular hours of the food bank are 12:30-1:30 on Tuesdays. With the recent influx of recipients, they now serve islanders until 3 p.m.

For more information, call Dave and Lina McPeake at 376-2671. Monetary donations may be mailed to Orcas Island Food Bank, PO Box 424, Eastsound, WA 98245.