Visiting Sunshine Pantry

My Girl Scout troop decided to donate food to a local pantry. I took Makena and Hailee to Winco with me one day in December to do some shopping. They enjoyed grocery shopping at Winco about as much as I do. (Let me just say that I went to Winco ONE time in 2010.)


The girls bagged all of the food in two bags. After realizing how heavy a bag of cans and food boxes can be, that turned in to four bags.

Yesterday, we brought the food donations to the Sunshine Pantry in Beaverton. I began delivering food to this pantry in 2009 through the Beaverton School District, and thought this would be a great place for the girls to donate to in their community. Sharon Straus, the director/owner, is an amazing woman! She started this pantry in her garage almost 30 years ago and moved into a warehouse about 4 years ago.

The girls each had a bag or two of food to bring in to the warehouse.

Then Sharon showed them around. Our first stop was the cooler. Sunshine Pantry asks for perishable foods as well; Sharon believes that families should also receive fruits, veggies, condiments, etc to enjoy healthy meals.

There is also a freezer for additional items, but the girls didn't want to go in there. (I should also mention that it was about 30 degrees outside and in the warehouse.)

Then Sharon took us in to the other side of the warehouse, where additional food is stored. There are about 15 refrigerator/freezers in here; for more wonderful foods. Sharon also has a supply of vegetarian options, gluten free foods, ethnic and Kosher foods in addition to meets, birthday cakes and other goodies. (TWO freezers hold birthday cakes for families that can't afford them.)

There are also boxes of bread and pastries available for families. Along with canned foods, boxed foods, infant/toddler foods, toiletries and hygiene items.

McKenzie's little brothers, Connor & Alex, came along with us to the pantry. (So sweet.)

Sharon also hands out "Sniffle Bags". She has gathered items for sick children; tissues, soup, water, coloring books, crayons, etc. The kids love to leave with their little bag of goodies to help them get better. (I'm thinking this is going to be something GS Troop 41054 wants to do in 2011!)

I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful Sharon is for the Beaverton Community. I'm happy that my girls were able to help and hope that we can do more in the future.