With the holiday season quickly approaching, many of us are trying to find ways to continue supporting ourselves and each other.  I wanted to take an opportunity to provide a list of resources throughout Snohomish County for those experiencing various needs in our community. The list includes resources for food pantry programs, volunteer and donation-based opportunities, and other resources to offer support for our neighbors during these challenging times. Please remember to take care of each other and be kind.   

Snohomish Community Food Bank: Includes a list of food banks, operating hours, available meal programs, clothing services, and additional resources to meet various needs for community members.  

Mill Creek Community Food Bank: Resources on how to schedule a reservation for food pick-up, opportunities to volunteer, and other resources available.   

Snohomish Community Food Bank Volunteer Opportunities: Includes a list of  Snohomish Community Food Bank volunteer opportunities including sorting donations, stocking shelves, or delivering groceries.   

Snohomish County Human Resources: A list of resources to help all community members meet their basic needs and develop their potential.  

Snohomish County Holiday Giving Tree Project: The Snohomish County Office of the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASES) is hosting the annual Holiday Giving Tree project to benefit kids in foster caser and the juvenile dependency court system.  

Shopping locally will be critical for our small businesses during the holiday season and every dollar spent in our community is a dollar spent investing in our neighbors and their families. Support SnoCo has done a great job highlighting Snohomish County businesses from restaurants to handmade goods and unique service offerings, all of which offer great gifts for loved ones. I've included some of my favorite local businesses below, what are some of your favorite businesses to patronize during the holiday season? 

- Double DD Meats  

- Lombardi’s   

- Paddywack Pet Supply 

- Snoqualmie Ice Cream 

- Foggy Noggin Brewing 

- Dalton Boutique 

- Jason’s Java – Brier 

- Kate’s Gifts in Mill Creek Town Center 

As we move into a new year with new opportunities and challenges, I am committed to continuing the significant work we’ve accomplished in 2020 while understanding that there is still more work to do. Below, I’ve captured some of my priority items for 2021 (in no particular order). I am honored and excited to continue to support residents of Snohomish County. 

- I am committed to continuing the County’s COVID response, including economic relief such as CARES Act funding allocations, support through food pantry programs, housing voucher programs, and various other services to meet the needs of our community in the midst of a pandemic. 

- We are continuing efforts to establish a Community Oversight Commission which will aim to provide community-driven recommendations to Snohomish County Law Enforcement. 

- Currently having discussions to explore potential new partnerships with higher education institutions to enhance training and social worker access to law enforcement officers, making our response to our most vulnerable populations more impactful and effective. 

- We are currently working to establish a Youth Advisory Council made up of youth from all backgrounds throughout Snohomish County who want to get more involved in their local government. Please reach out to our office if you or someone you know may be interested in joining this effort.  

- I am working with a coalition of small business owners and fitness organizations in conjunction with our local Health District and the Governor’s COVID response team to find a phased-in approach to safely reopen fitness centers in Snohomish County. Stay tuned for updates on this effort in the coming weeks! 

- As with every year, the council will vote for new leadership positions during our first meeting in January. We will be voting for a new Chair, Vice Chair, and Committee Chairs.