Fighting Youth Food Insecurity With a Community Food Drive Victory Led by Kidzz Helping Kidzz

At Kidzz Helping Kidzz, our mission is rooted in compassion and action—and our Advisory Board is deeply committed to addressing the urgent challenge of youth food insecurity in Kitsap County. Thanks to the overwhelming support of our community, our second annual food drive was a tremendous success. We’re thrilled to share the incredible impact we’ve made—together.

Mobilizing the Community: Launching the Food Drive

On March 31, we launched our county-wide effort by distributing 70 food collection boxes throughout Kitsap County. In no time, those boxes began to fill, a testament to the generosity and community spirit of our neighbors. The response was inspiring—donations poured in, reflecting a shared commitment to helping children and families in need.

Powering the Drive: Heartfelt Thanks to Our Volunteers

A food drive of this scale requires dedication, muscle, and heart—and we had all three. A special thank you goes out to Hope Worldwide Scouts Troop #76, who stood beside us every step of the way. Their enthusiasm and consistency set the tone for a successful campaign.

Throughout April, volunteers worked tirelessly behind the scenes to sort, count, and prepare food for distribution. Our warehouse buzzed with energy as teams came together to organize donations with incredible precision and care.

Food Collection Day: A Coordinated Effort Across Kitsap

On April 30, dedicated volunteer teams fanned out across the county to retrieve our donation boxes. Each team tackled a unique route, and their efficiency ensured that no box was left behind.

Let’s meet the incredible volunteers who made it all happen:

• Team A (Port Orchard & Bremerton Route): Jen & Adam Wiren took on this challenging route with their signature blend of planning, creativity, and determination. With tight timing and careful coordination, they made sure all the boxes were picked up smoothly.

• Team B (Silverdale Route): Katie Walz, a U-Haul expert and Silverdale local, took on this route and collected more boxes than any other team. Her efficiency and skill helped her finish her route ahead of schedule—what a superstar!

• Team C (North Kitsap Route/Churches & Schools): Rhandel Darner, a seasoned  driver with eight years of experience at Kidzz Helping Kidzz, covered the longest route, stretching from North Kitsap to Silverdale and Bremerton. Despite road construction, Rhandel completed his route in just under 3 hours—an impressive feat, especially given the challenging terrain. His experience as a school bus driver definitely gave him an edge in navigating tight parking lots!

  
  

Grand Weighing and Sorting: Turning Donations into Meals

On April 26 and May 1, our team came together for the final count—an exciting and rewarding culmination of weeks of hard work. Volunteers formed efficient teams to box, count, and weigh thousands of donated items. Here’s how the numbers added up:

Chart of Cumulative Food Collection - KHK Food Drive 2025

In total, we collected 8,778 food items, weighing in at an impressive 6,108 pounds—the equivalent of 5,090 meals for local families.

Packing and Delivery: Powered by Passion

To transport over three tons of food, we needed more than one trailer. Thankfully, Jen and Adam Wiren stepped up once again, offering their larger trailer to complement the Kidzz Helping Kidzz trailer.

Packing the food wasn’t easy—some boxes were unusually large and difficult to stack. But thanks to the strength and determination of Lemont DeShields, Shane Durhand, and their fellow sailors from the Junior Enlisted Association (JEA), both trailers were filled to capacity.

On delivery day, the rain came—but our spirits never wavered. At our first stop, Bremerton Backpack Brigade, the skies cleared just in time for unloading. We were warmly welcomed by Sherrill Gross, who helped us organize a smooth and efficient delivery of 3,279 lbs of food to their pantry, serving students across eight Bremerton elementary schools.

Then it was off to South Kitsap Backpacks for Kids food program, where we were greeted by Sandi Markowski and her incredible team of volunteers. The remaining 2,829 lbs of food were delivered swiftly and with care.

A huge shout-out to the Laborers' Local 252 Women’s Committee, who once again brought their strength, energy, and commitment—having already supported our toy drive last year, they were invaluable on food delivery day!

More Than a Meal: Breaking the Cycle

This food drive was about more than just delivering meals—it was about creating a lifeline for children and families who need it most. Access to nutritious food has a direct impact on academic performance, emotional wellbeing, and long-term success. By helping meet this basic need, we’re empowering kids to learn, grow, and dream without hunger as a barrier.

United for a Cause: Our Community of Support

We are beyond grateful to the local businesses, organizations, and individuals who made this campaign possible:

• Hope Worldwide Scouts Troop #76

• Silver City Restaurant & Ale House

• Academy of Dance

• Kitsap County Public Works

• Street Sports Poulsbo

• Schroader, Goldman, and Bender

• Whitlock & Forster, LLC

• Washington State Auditor’s Office

• Bremerton YMCA & Hazelwood Family YMCA

• Church of the Latter-Day Saints

• Annapolis Fitness

• Kitsap Physical Therapy & Sports Clinic

• Destination Harley Davidson

• Alive Church

Volunteer Uhaul Drivers:

• Jen & Adam Wiren

• Katie Walz

• Rhandel Darner

Food Pickup Volunteers:

Jen Wiren (Bremerton/Port Orchard)

Espie Pashoukos (Port Orchard)

Debbie Slaton (Silverdale)

Pam Schneider (Poulsbo)

Celebrating Our Youth Leaders

At the heart of Kidzz Helping Kidzz is an incredible group of young changemakers. Our Advisory Board, composed entirely of youth, continues to demonstrate that leadership knows no age. These inspiring students are the future of our community—and they're already making a difference today.

Advisory Board Members:

• Zachary D. (15)

• Paige D. (16)

• Makayla D. (18)

• Everette C. (16)

• Leighton H. (15)

• Logan H. (13)

• Arianna G. (16)

• Selah G. (13)

• Matthew M. (16)

• Jameson N. (16)

• Jack D. (12)

• Macey D. (11)

• Elim S. (16)

• Lucie C. (16)

• Hannah S. (16)

• Liana K. (16)

• Noah D.arner (10)

• Jensen F. (11)

• Micah G. (10)

• Alexis E. (10)

Looking Ahead

Since launching our first food drive in 2024, we’ve delivered thousands of meals to families in need. Each campaign strengthens our belief in the power of community, collaboration, and compassion.

To every volunteer, donor, driver, business, and partner: THANK YOU! You’ve helped create lasting change—and we’re just getting started.

Together, we’re building a future where no child has to go hungry.

Join us in making a difference—volunteer your time or donate today to support our ongoing food and toy drives and help us continue building a stronger, healthier future for our community's children.

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