It's been a hectic eight months for Locöl Barley and Vine but Wednesday night, Aug. 31 they unveiled a puzzle of an historic West Seattle scene, the result of the support of 85 people who helped them get on their feet when they first launched their business. Owners Kyle Duce and Shane Whitall were both on hand to present a check for $300 to Tara Byrne, Executive Director of West Seattle Helpline as a percentage of the proceeds from their launch effort.

Mounted on the wall of the bar is the large image, made into a jigsaw puzzle, along with a story about their opening from the West Seattle Herald and a list of the contributors. "That will be there for ever and ever and ever," said Duce.

The idea evolved organically with their focus on local history and an image of boaters off the Duwamish Head, taken in 1910 was used as the basis for the puzzle whose pieces were sold to supporters. Then 10% of the proceeds (plus a little more) was given to the Helpline.

Duce said, "That money, $2500, really made the difference in launching Locöl. It paid for some inventory and things we really needed to get open. So this was our unique way of thanking everyone who helped us get started."

He reports that business has been consistently strong and that they have exceeded their goals thus far in their business plan. Whitall said, "We like being the neighborhood spot."

"This was an exciting surprise to me," said Byrne who has only been with the Helpline for three months.

"This can buy a lot of bus tickets for people who need to get to job interviews, doctor appointments."

"We help families that have a one time emergency need with rent, with utilities, with bus tickets. We collect money for school supplies. Today we gave a check to Pencil Me In for Kids, through the West Seattle Rotary Club. It was for $1000. We also have a clothing bank where families can get three free outfits per person in their family, every two months."

The West Seattle Helpline is located next to the West Seattle Foodbank at 35th s.w. and s.w. Morgan Street.

If you'd like to get help or offer it you can call them at 206-932-HELP. You can also donate to them online at www.Westseattlehelpline.org

You can find Locöl on Facebook here.