Instructors and students from Center for Naval Aviation Training Technical Unit (CNATTU), Whidbey Island collected canned and dry food items during July for North Whidbey Island Help House.

The food collected totaled 1,757; with the EP-3 Rate Group leading the way with 647 items. This food will help members of our community that are feeling the effects of the economy and today’s challenging job market.

“It has been a really rewarding experience leading the charge for the food drive,” said Aviation Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Thomas Bolt. “Donations were delivered to the Help House every Friday and it required multiple people because we were collecting so much.  It made us feel really good to be able to give back to the community.”

With the current economic conditions affecting everyone across the country, services provided by food banks are in huge demand. Organizations like the North Whidbey Help House Food Bank are in dire need of assistance from the local community.

Help House Executive Director Jean Wieman stated, “CNATTU was a huge help. We definitely appreciate everything that was donated. Please be on the lookout for volunteer opportunities during the upcoming holiday season.”

The Help House is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. to receive donations and is located at 1091 SE Hathaway St. in Oak Harbor. For more information, search “North Whidbey Help House” on facebook.