More than a dozen Sailors from Naval Base Kitsap provided 200 lunches for the Boys and Girls club of Naval Avenue Elementary Aug. 11.

The meals fed 150 children between the ages of five and 13, many of which are from either active duty or retired military families and Puget Sound Naval Ship Yard (PSNS) contractors.

“The community gives a lot to the Navy and we need to give back,” said Senior Chief Culinary Specialist James Thomas, NBK assistant food service officer. “Providing a hot lunch for the local children is just a small way to do so, but it truly means a great deal.”

The Bremerton Boys and Girls club is provided for all children in the community.

The school district provides funding that lasts until the final weeks of summer. Then, the children would provide their own lunches from home.

In previous years club volunteers would donate homemade lunch items for those who could not afford to bring their own. This year they decided to contact local community businesses for help.

“Sue Shipley [Boys and Girls Club board member] contacted the naval base and their turn out was awesome,” said Beth Wallace, Boys and Girls club Kitsap branch director. “We have 10 days to fill up with volunteers, and they took on three.”

Kitsap sailors first interacted with the kids, then setup and prepared the day’s lunch on site.

“I feel good coming out and helping the children because I have a two year old of my own,” said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Evan Kern, NBK Galley crew member. “We need to help the community besides just being in the military.”

Wallace said that many of the children were excited to be served lunch by Sailors because they either have parents in the military or have been in contact with them before in previous community relations events.

“Not everyone has the capability to come out and help and improve the community,” said Thomas. “We as Sailors have that ability and we need to use it.”