To the editor:

We at Windermere were so energized by our positive experience during the 2008 Windermere Community Service Day where we were the guest “work crew” at South Whidbey’s Good Cheer, that we wanted to tell other South Enders all about it.

Spending a day working with the staff of Bayview Good Cheer was an honor. We enjoyed meeting Kathy and learning more about Good Cheer’s efforts on behalf of the community. We sorted and priced a floor-to-ceiling wall of donated items along with Rita and Rose. Sales of those items in the Langley and Clinton thrift shops fund the food bank at the Bayview center. Cory showed us how to stock the freezer, refrigerators and dry goods storage with client servings. We cleared walkways, flower beds and outdoor picnic tables with Dave and Damien and even discovered a cherry tree under all the Scotch broom.

It was humbling to see how Good Cheer clients are welcomed with friendly, forthright respect. We were overwhelmed to learn that, the economy being what it is, Good Cheer’s food bank currently serves 19 percent of South Whidbey residents.

Volunteering at Good Cheer was one of the most rewarding Community Service days we’ve experienced. We know their “you pick your hour, day and job” encouragement will inspire other volunteers to get engaged as well. It’s the kind of effort that reinforces what’s really worthwhile.

Staff, Agents and Owners

Windermere/South Whidbey