To donate food and/or funds to the center, bring your canned or nonperishable food items to the center at 4016 S. 352nd St., Auburn. We appreciate donations year-round. Call the Federal Way Senior Center (253-838-3604) for more information.

The Federal Way Senior Center is a humble building on the outside but the greatness can be found on the inside. The rustic charm of the log-cabin siding harmonizes with the peaceful sounds of nature. However, don’t let the idyllic scene fool you—the senior center is a bustling place that serves hundreds of seniors and their families. The outstanding services that provide food, socialization, education and fun are at risk though; the center’s out-of-the-way location seems to lend itself to being overlooked by the community at large, and this is a risk that should greatly concern us all.

Due to the fact that the center is not actually in the city of Federal Way, the only funding they receive is a human services grant (the city grants them approximately $19,000 to pay for their part-time cook) and the operating costs are high. Along with other service and community organizations, local businesses, foundations and individuals, organizations like the King County Fire and Rescue, the Department of Commerce, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, the Federal Way Rotary, Windermere and the Dairy Farmers Association have donated specific items, which is always very beneficial and much appreciated.

It is more difficult to receive ongoing funding for less tangible items, such as the electric bill to run the refrigerators where the food bank items are stored, or the water bill to keep the garden lush and productive in the summer.

There is also always a pressing need for canned and non-perishable items for the food bank, such as:

• soups
• fruit
• beans
• vegetables
• spaghetti sauce
• chili
• tuna
• chicken
• pasta
• rice
• flour
• cereal
• potatoes
• oil for cooking
• salad dressing
• peanut butter
• jam
• applesauce
• coffee
• tea
• cookies
• nuts
• juice
• water
• condiments

Donations of toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo, lotions, soap etc.) and paper products (cups, plates, napkins, paper towels, sponges, etc.), baby food and pet food are also needed.