I’m proud of the way Good Cheer has always stepped forward to meet the growing needs of our community in the 47 years it has been serving South Whidbey. Those needs are unfortunately increasing. When the food bank moved from Langley to Bayview, into the former Masonic Lodge, its expansion made it possible to serve the record number of people who are turning to Good Cheer for help – 747 families in December.

Now, during some of the most difficult times I have seen in the 31 years I have lived on South Whidbey, there is a need for all of us to support this homegrown charity in its vital work helping families put food on the table.

Good Cheer has a wonderful opportunity to raise $100,000 from a matching grant to help toward the completion of its capital campaign. If all of us give what we can, the community can raise the money needed to help secure this matching grant. Even in this economic climate, I believe that together we can reach this goal to support “creating a hunger-free community.”

Recently I had the opportunity to tour Good Cheer Food Bank. It attracts interest as a model program from many food banks around the region for the facility’s grocery store-like setting, allowing people to retain their dignity as they select food for their families.

I was impressed with the many volunteers who were excited about their work. They created a positive, friendly and upbeat atmosphere. They showed me their innovative system for assisting clients with budgeting and selecting grocery items. Everything was well-organized and user-friendly.

The Bayview facility, which houses the food bank and an item donation receiving and distribution center, was funded as part one of a two-phase $1.4 million capital campaign.

Phase II will add an elevator and renovations to open up the second floor for retail space. The goal is to increase revenues to support the food bank by moving more donations out of storage and onto the sales floor.

A total of $1 million has been raised so far, and Good Cheer seeks to complete the campaign this year through community giving and additional grants.

Langley is fortunate to have Good Cheer’s Thrift Store as part of our business community. It provides much of the funding base to operate the Good Cheer Food Bank and is a city institution. Not only is it one of the city’s largest retail businesses, but it exemplifies the character of Langley, attracting regional visitors seeking collectibles, unusual items and just plain good bargains.

The first phase of the capital campaign allowed Good Cheer to move the food bank out of Langley to Bayview. Phase II will increase retail space in Langley. Together, they expand the effectiveness of a grassroots charity that the community can take great pride in.

I encourage you to stop by the food bank in Bayview and Good Cheer Thrift Store in Langley. See for yourself the important work that goes on at Good Cheer. If you support what they are doing, please pull out your checkbook and give. Together we can complete the capital campaign for a hunger-free community!

The author of this viewpoint, Paul Samuelson, is the mayor of Langley.