From low-income seniors trying to make ends meet to families faced with rapidly rising food prices, local organizations are facing a growing need in the community.
“In the first quarter of this year we’ve had to help out with $10,000 more in assistance than the same time period last year and our food bank is seeing more visitors now than during the pandemic,” says Elisha Smith-Marshall, Executive Director of Plateau Outreach Ministries, highlighting the importance of the coming GiveBIG campaign to help them meet that need.
The non-profit organization has been assisting individuals and families in need since 1998, providing for essentials like food, clothing, rent, utilities and prescriptions. Other POM programs include Samaritan Services and More Pennies from Heaven and some of the organizations they’ve partnered with include the Enumclaw Food Bank and the Helping Hand Fund.
Also serving rural communities like Buckley, Black Diamond, Ravensdale, Greenwater, Wilkeson, Burnett and Carbonad0, the organization team envisions for “a plateau where every family, every person, thrives in a community of love and support.”
What is GiveBIG?
GiveBIG is an annual fundraising campaign involving thousands of non-profit organizations across Washington State, including Plateau Outreach Ministries.
This year POM is asking everyone to help them reach their goal of $35,000, to meet the community’s increasing needs.
All of the funds raised will go to POM client services – supporting everything from helping an elderly widow with her utilities to purchasing a new outfit for a young man’s job interview. The incredible team at POM focuses on inclusivity and uses individual case management to best address each person’s unique needs.
Plateau Outreach Ministries food bank is supported by GiveBIG donations and serves rural communities in King and Pierce counties.
“Even though we’re coming out of the pandemic, with rising prices we’re finding that we’ve had to help even more of those people on the edge of budget crisis,” Smith-Marshall says.
To meet those needs, community support has been – and continues to be – vital.
“Since 2019 we’ve been blessed with over $100,000 in donations from GiveBIG. The community has always been so wonderful in supporting us, and we’re very grateful for that!”
How can you give?
Donate today online, by mailing a check – attn. “GiveBIG” – or by dropping it off in person at Plateau Outreach Ministries, at 1806 Cole Street, Enumclaw WA., or by calling the team at 360-825-8961 to give your information.
To learn more about Plateau Outreach Ministries and all of their programs, check them out on Facebook, and Instagram, or watch one of their videos on YouTube.
