Island Holiday Community Meal Project: Spreading Joy and Warmth to Seniors and Community Members
The Island Holiday Community Meal Project, is a heartwarming program, which began in 2020, brings joy and nourishment to seniors and community members during the holiday season.
The project is a collaboration led by compassionate and dedicated community volunteer Laura Van Dyke, Island Volunteer Caregivers (IVC), Bainbridge Island Senior Community Center, and Sportsman’s Club. The effort has brought warmth and companionship since its inception in 2020.
This year, the project is expanding its reach to include even more people. In addition to its traditional meal deliveries, the project will again offer a dine-in option at Saint Cecilia’s Catholic Church from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm on Thursday, November 23rd and again on Friday, December 22nd. This will give seniors and community members the opportunity to enjoy a holiday meal with others and connect with their neighbors.
For those who may not be able to attend the dine-in meals in person, meals will be delivered by dedicated IVC volunteers, ensuring that the holiday spirit reaches every corner of our island. Sign-up sheets, for both dine-in and delivered meals, are available at IVC, Bainbridge Island Senior Community Center, Helpline House, Winslow Arms, Finch Place, and Virginia Villa.
Sign-ups conclude on Monday, November 13th for the November meal, and then on Monday, December 11th for the December meal.
The Island Holiday Community Meal Project is made possible thanks to the generosity of Puget Sound Energy, Sportsman’s Club, Rotary Club of Bainbridge Island, local restaurants, non-profit organizations, and volunteers. Participating restaurants include Café Hitchcock, Sweet Dahlia Baking, Town and Country Market, BIMA Bistro, Via Rosa 11, Coquette Bake Shop, Blackbird Bakery, Chef Nancy Travis, and Joe’s Restaurant.
The project also relies on the support of non-profit organizations such as Sportsman’s Club, Helpline House, Housing Resources Bainbridge, Bainbridge Prepares, and Rotary Club. These organizations help to organize the meals, provide volunteers, and spread the word about the project to those for whom a delicious community meal would bring a spark of cheer.
The Island Holiday Community Meal Project is a reminder that we all have a role to play in creating an inclusive and supportive community. During the holiday season, it is especially important to reach out and connect with our neighbors. The Island Holiday Community Meal Project provides an opportunity to do just that.
How to Get Involved
For more information, opportunities to volunteer or to contribute to this heartwarming initiative, please contact Island Volunteer Caregivers at 206-842-4441 or the Bainbridge Island Senior Community Center at 206-842-1616.
For media inquiries or additional information, please contact: Joanne Maher, Executive Director, Island Volunteer Caregivers, 206-842-4441 or info@ivcbainbridge.org
About Island Volunteer Caregivers: Island Volunteer Caregivers (IVC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing vital support services to seniors and individuals with disabilities in our community. With a strong commitment to enhancing the quality of life for those in need, IVC’s programs and services are delivered by caring volunteers who bring compassion, companionship, and assistance to those who require it most. If you’d like to learn more about them, visit our previous article here: Island Volunteer Caregivers – Caring for our Island Community | THE ISLAND WANDERER
*Information and images provided by IVC
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