Happy Thanksgiving from the Chamber

Our Plate of Gratitude is Overflowing

Two days til Thanksgiving and we at the Chamber are feeling gratitude for everyone in the Renton community. Despite all things that 2020 has brought our way, you have continued to raise our spirits. The amount of charity we have seen from you, even in your frustration and uncertainty, is humbling. 

Renton has proven time and time again what a generous nature we have as a collective. You help to bring each other up when times are tough. 

We have the unique opportunity at the Chamber to connect with many businesses and community members, and the message has never been in fear. Frustration maybe, but never fear. 

You have come to us with ideas to support others in new ways. We saw the South King County Food Fighters formed right from the start of COVID-19. And watched volunteers come out in droves to help. 

We have seen volunteers come together to help bag food and clothes for the homeless. We have witnessed selfless acts of kindness offering support to our uprooted neighbors and families. As your business temporarily closed you poured your energy into helping others and we are in awe. 

Thank you citizens of Renton for continuing to remind us how fortunate we are to live here.

We all have been living in uncertain times, yet our new Mayor and council members have come together to stay on top of issues and be there for us all. The Renton police continue to work on outreach and connect to our vulnerable populations.

New art projects continue to brighten our city when it seems that all things have shut down. 

Our loyal small business owners have adjusted their protocol overnight to meet the needs of their customers. 

RentonLIVE! Continues to bring us good news that is so needed in our world. Creative minds are hard at work to help us all get through this unprecedented year together. 

You help raise the bar for all and we bow in gratitude to you.

This Thanksgiving we are all looking at facing empty tables as we are being asked to stay at home. This is hard because cherished holiday traditions begin with the breaking of the bread. 

We understand, and we are with you. We are in full support of our governor's hard and necessary decision to roll-back our social gatherings so we might all flatten the curve. 

If we all work together in the way I know Renton can, we can be back on track by Christmas. 

If we all can stay safe this Thanksgiving we will be one step closer to seeing our favorite restaurants open. If we all do our part we can safely shop locally and support each other through this unique holiday experience. 

Renton always comes together when things are rough and I have no doubt that this holiday season will be any different.

Typically we see many of you volunteering this time of year. So much has been canceled but there are a couple of opportunities to know about. 

Thanksgiving Meals

Through King County Best Start for Kids grant funds, Renton's Recreation and Neighborhood Division staff will be coordinating delivery of Thanksgiving meals in partnership with Rain City Catering tomorrow to over 50 families enrolled in the city’s STREAM Team Program.  They will do another holiday meal delivery in December.

 The Senior Center staff is hard at work with their congregate meal provider, Sound Generations to make and hand out 250 Thanksgiving meals to seniors. This is also happening tomorrow. 

In order to prep the Thanksgiving meals, they won’t be able to make the daily lunches that Mon-Wed, so has coordinated sack lunches with Fare Start on those days. 

Fare Start is a local non-profit that trains and hires homeless individuals. 

GenCare from the Lodge at Eagle Ridge will be donating 250 desserts to this generous event. 

To date over 20,000 meals have been served to seniors (via drive-thru pick-up or delivery) during the COVID pandemic.  

Sustainable Renton

Another great place to volunteer is with Sustainable Renton. They have been helping to feed Renton for the past 10 years. They offer free groceries to any community member in need. Currently they are running a drive-thru in the St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church Parking lot every Monday from 5:30-7:30 pm. Head over to their website for more information on how you can get involved. 

Emergency Feeding Program

The Emergency Feeding Program is busy all across our reign providing both drive-thru groceries, sack lunches, and a delivery program. Their goal has been to create a food assistance network that provides high-quality foods to all parts of King County. They are busy and have a volunteer sign up on their website. 

Cold Weather Clothing

Not only are volunteers needed to help feed our community, but there is also a need for warm winter clothes. The Renton Kiwanis Clothing Bank may have lost its location in the Summer, but they are still on a mission to keep our community warm. If you missed the clothing drive last Friday you can still donate your items. Contact the Renton Chamber to find out how. 

Winter is upon us and the joy of the holiday season will warm us from the inside. Together we can make this a blessed season for all in our community. 

There are many more organizations around the sound that are in need of volunteers. I invite you to share your favorites with us in the comment section. However you decide to spend your holiday we at the Chamber hope you stay healthy and safe.