Seattle's white Christmas was not as festive as Ballard Food Bank had hoped. They had trouble gathering food but were able to stay open with help from volunteers and help from fellow Ballardites.

"Other food banks have been closed so there is a need of our services," said Nancy McKinney, executive director of the Ballard Bank. "We have allowed people to use our services that are out of our service area."

As the snow and ice have prevented delivery trucks from major donators such as Northwest Harvest and Food Life Line to make their deliveries, the bank has also gotten support through the community who have made front door drop-offs with food donations, cash and Christmas gifts for some who were left homebound and immobile (i.e. toys, coats, hats etc.)

A few days before Christmas McKinney said the line for food and Christmas supplies was out the door. But even with all the generous donations McKinney says they will need any durable men's clothing such as sweaters and jackets and shelf stable food items they can put on the shelf and use through the spring, once the holiday season is over.

For more information on the Ballard Food Bank visit http://www.ballardfoodbank.org or for volunteer opportunities contact Peggy Bailey or Nancy McKinney at 789-7800.

Allison Espiritu may be reached at 783-1244 or allisone@robinsonnews.com.