It’s the time of year when giving thanks goes hand-in-hand with feeding hungry people.
Island writer Molly Cook began a tradition three years ago inspired by the national Writers Harvest program, through which writers do their part in the fight against hunger and poverty in the United States.
After a succession of bountiful benefits, Cook is back again with “Coffee, Tea & Thee,” an afternoon of words to benefit Good Cheer Food Bank. The event brings together a cadre of local poets and performers to “sing for everyone’s supper” from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15 at Island Coffeehouse & Books in Langley.
“If any child or adult is going hungry in our community, we are all going hungry,” Cook said.
Having decided to join the program more than 15 years ago while a graduate student in Oregon, Cook continued her connection with the Writers Harvest program by inspiring local writers and performers to volunteer their time and participate as neighbors and members of the South Whidbey community.
Not a lot of coaxing was necessary, because the needs of the food bank are urgent. The economy has hit South Whidbey families hard this year, with the Good Cheer staff seeing an all-time high in the number of people who use the food bank. In October alone, 778 families were served, 75 of which had never used the food bank before, a new record.
“Few of us get through life without needing a helping hand at one time or another,” Cook said. “The holidays are coming. Let every plate be full.”
The afternoon will be hosted by Cook and rounded by a colorful band of voices including Joni Takanikos, Rob Harrison, Ann Medlock, Robin Barre, Drew Kampion, Patricia Duff, Janice O’Mahony, Harvey Lambeth and Susannah Rose Woods.
In the true spirit of the season, Cook said that while cooking up plans, she found herself singing songs about food and drink.
“A few that have come to mind recently,” she said: ‘Tea for two and two for tea’; ‘You’re the cream in my coffee, you’re the salt in my stew’; ‘You say potato and I say potahto’; and of course, ‘Food, glorious food!’ Then, there’s the old Kingston Trio favorite, ‘Scotch and soda, mud in your eye.’ Not that we’ll have Scotch and soda at the event, but it’s a great song,” Cook added.
As for poems about food, she suggested one of her favorites, Raymond Carver’s “Ode to Soda Crackers,” which she will read at the benefit.
The event is sponsored by Island Coffeehouse & Books/South Whidbey Commons, an organization that perpetually has its hands in the nourishment pie of the community.
“The coffeehouse has been undergoing some wonderful renovations, including the lovely front gardens and new chairs and tables inside,” Cook said.
“One of our readers, Rosie Woods, is the new coffeehouse manager, and Gena Kraha, former AmeriCorps star, is now South Whidbey Commons director. They have plans for more literary events at the coffeehouse over the next few months, and we appreciate so much their support for this one.”
Here’s to cream in everyone’s coffee this Thanksgiving season.
Admission is free. Donations of cash and non-perishable food items would be greatly appreciated.
The cafè is at 124 Second St. in Langley, and can be reached at 221-2414.
