On March 21, 2026, Denny International Middle School hosted a massive "Partnership for Hope" community store event, providing groceries, cleaning supplies, and essential goods to hundreds of local families. The initiative, a collaboration between the Seattle CARES Mentoring Movement, the City of Seattle, Churchome, the 4C Coalition, and King County Best Starts for Kids, turned the school into a hub of support where "everything must go".

The scale of the giveaway was significant, featuring 36 pallets of goods, including detergent, bleach, and drinks like Gatorade, with an estimated value exceeding $50,000. Terod Ryan, the Community Strategies Coordinator for Seattle CARES, explained that the event was made possible through a deep partnership with Churchome, which provided the funding and donations for the products.

"This is our third one since December," Ryan noted, adding that the event typically supports between 150 to 250 families. While families are often encouraged to take what they need, the high demand at this event required a "one item per family" approach for certain supplies to ensure they could spread the resources across the community.

Principal Mary Ingraham expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support, highlighting how a semi-truck traveled all the way from California to deliver the supplies. "I think this is incredible and awesome," Ingraham said. "I mean, this community always shows up and it supports one another and this is just another example of that". She described the day as a "bright joy spot" and shared her hope to host many more such events in the future.

Beyond the immediate relief of providing food and household items, the event served as a gateway to long-term support programs. Ryan highlighted that Seattle CARES, which has been active since 1998, also operates the "Rising Program" within schools. This initiative is designed to provide youth—starting at age 12—with mentorship and tools for success as they transition toward college and careers.

"We love doing what we do," Ryan said, noting that their work also includes the Enhanced Mentoring Program, which provides one-on-one support and alternatives to incarceration for youth in the court system.

The Partnership for Hope aims to foster resilience and stronger community connections. Families who attended were encouraged to register via QR codes to ensure they have consistent access to basic necessities moving forward.