BELLEVUE, Wash. - Sharon Kneip tries to avoid the spotlight, but it’s hard to do when you’re rallying a community to provide 800 Thanksgiving meals for families in the Bellevue School District.
Last year, Kneip and her friends and family rounded up 150 Thanksgiving meals. This year, they’re shooting for hundreds more because of the growing need.
“We are here today to procure 800 meals for families that are in that in-between stage, who maybe don't get Hopelink assistance or Service League assistance, but would have to choose between gas and a full Thanksgiving warm meal,” said Kneip.
According to the Bellevue School District, the number of students qualifying for reduced price school lunches increased 3 percent this year to 20 percent of the student body. The homeless student population has doubled to 118 children.
“I’ve been in this district for 25 years and I’ve never seen an increase like that the whole time I’ve been here,” said school district spokeswoman Ann Oxrieder. “It’s just astonishing that anyone would take on a project of this magnitude.”
Kneip and other moms and students greet shoppers at the downtown Bellevue Safeway and offer several options. Shoppers can buy dinner items to donate, give cash or buy a $25 gift card which feeds a family of four, including the turkey.
Sixth grader Marquis Deweert plays football with Kneip's son and works the crowd like a pro.
“You just tell them what it’s for and how important it is and they pretty much will give something,” the Chinook Middle School student explained. “I just feel bad for these people who don't have enough, so I want to try and help.”
Eight-year-old Marissa Bikhazi admits, “It’s very hard work, but I’m happy to do it.”
Kneip’s daughter Jessica says her mother’s dedication come from having “been there.”
“Because we have been in a similar situation and many families were helping us. So we know how it's hard to ask for help if you're in that in-between stage and we kind of know how they feel," she said.
The School District’s Oxrieder says she has no doubt the project will meet its goal of 800, “but to tell you the truth, if there were 1200 meals, there would be families that would appreciate them.”
The Bellevue Moms will be at the Downtown Bellevue Safeway on Bellevue Way and NE 4th Street Tuesday November 24 until they reach their goal.
To add a comment, please register or login.