By Tomé-Jo Trujillo

For The Beachcomber

There is usually an apprehensive flutter that accompanies my bravado when I go to the local food bank.

“Is everyone embarrassed to see me here or happy to see me?” I think to myself. Looking around, I see other people who frequent the food bank, and their moods range from seeming very uncomfortable being there, with downcast eyes and unsure nervous smiles, to individuals who have come to terms with their feelings of self-doubt and judgment.

Two years ago, when I was asked if I would like to sign up at the food bank for gifts through the Kiwanis Toy Drive, I initially said no. I can buy presents for my family and didn’t want some hand-me-down toy from a stranger added to the mix.

I felt bad enough about going to the food bank in the first place, although I am very grateful — I have found the people who volunteer there to be kind, warm and helpful. The food available is varied and often of excellent quality, given that it’s for free. The food bank often has not only milk but rice milk or soy milk, toilet paper, light bulbs, cat and dog food and diapers. Going to the food bank saves my family hundreds of dollars a month, and that money can be saved or spent on rent and bills.

Last year, when the volunteers at the food bank asked me for a second time if I wanted to sign up for holiday gifts, I begrudgingly agreed. When Christmas finally came around, I slogged through the snow to the food bank. I was surprised to find so many volunteers had made it, shoveled the snow and were waiting for anyone else who could make it through the heavy snow to the building.

They had prepackaged gift bags with chocolates and candy canes and offered up hot cocoa as well as sparkling apple cider for each person who came.

I was blown away that someone would donate all of these for people to have on Christmas. Then I was offered a turkey, salmon and more chocolates. It was an amazing holiday offering, and I went home with an extra turkey for two friends and gift bags for several people in my apartment complex.

I was really touched by the people who were donating so much and in such kind spirits on such a cold and blustery day.

Right before Christmas last year, my wife went into town to pick up the gifts from the toy drive. I was amazed when she came home with an abundance of gifts for my two children — new toys and stocking stuffers, all very nice and thoughtfully picked out.

My son got a remote controlled Batman flying toy, along with perhaps 15 other toys and stocking stuffers. The real kicker was that each child received a hand-made, appropriately themed quilt. What a welcome experience this was for me and my family. What a kind and generous community. Christmas spirit is alive and well on Vashon Island.

— Tomé-Jo Trujillo, the father of two children, is apprenticing

as a woodcarver.