Together with many members of the community, Goosefoot Community Fund and Whidbey Community Foundation partnered for a fourth year to raise over $85,000 for the Essential Needs Program.

Goosefoot and WCF continue to work with Opportunity Council – Island County Service Center to administer funds to support neighbors year-around, covering gaps not filled by government programs.

Donations have been used to assist a household to replace furniture due to a house fire, help a senior avoid losing propane tanks by paying an outstanding bill, support a couple with restoring their water service due to overwhelming medical bills, and cover cremation services for a grieving widow.

The funds have helped over 500 households, the majority of whom earn less than 30% of the median income in Island County. For those that receive this support, a small amount can make or break whether they can continue to contribute to, participate in and enrich our community.

Starting in May 2024, the fundraiser was seeded with $50,000 ($25,000 each from Goosefoot and WCF) with a goal of $100,000. The Goose Grocer again designated the program as its Roundup for Charity recipient in May, June and July, raising over $20,000. Because of the charitable nature of the community, these funds will go directly to households that need it most.

Donors can still contribute to the program at any time by making a direct donation to either organization with a memo marking funds for the “Essential Needs Program.”

“It’s a privilege to be associated with the Essential Needs program,” Goose Grocer Assistant Store Director Steve Lamb said in a press release. “It makes me proud of my community and my company that they are willing to reach out and give to those in need. It’s very humbling and rewarding to see the results and know that we have made a difference in the lives of those in our Whidbey Island family.”

Looking ahead to 2025, Goosefoot and WCF are excited to welcome Oak Harbor-based Island Thrift as a funding partner, with a donation of $20,000 to begin in 2025.

“This collaboration marks a significant milestone, with three of the island’s largest philanthropic organizations uniting to support the vital needs of our community,” WCF Executive Director Jessie Gunn said in a press release.

Island Thrift is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to enhance the quality of life on Whidbey Island. Thrift store sales support local organizations and charities in the form of grants and gifts. This means that when shopping at Island Thrift, customers are directly helping to support programs and services that make the community a better place to live.

Goosefoot and WCF are extremely grateful for the continued community support. The organizations extend their gratitude to the Opportunity Council for its dedication to helping community members directly.

Learn more at goosefoot.org/essential-needs or whidbeyfoundation.org/essential-needs-program. Assistance is available via Opportunity Council, oppco.org/locations/island-county.