Kalama Helping Hand: A Local Legacy of Compassion

 Kalama Helping Hand: A Local Legacy of Compassion

Expanding Community Outreach with Coat & Shoe Drives, Thanks to Local Partnerships and Dedicated Volunteers

As someone deeply connected to this community—both as a REALTOR® and a neighbor—it's important to me to not only highlight the homes we live in, but the people and organizations that make Kalama feel like home.

This month, I’m honored to share the story of Kalama Helping Hand—a nonprofit serving families with dignity, support, and consistency for over 40 years. I’ve had the privilege of partnering with them through our annual coat and shoe drives, and I hope their story inspires you as much as their work has inspired me.

KALAMA, WA — Behind the doors of a modest building off Cloverdale Road, something extraordinary continues to unfold. Kalama Helping Hand, one of the city’s most trusted nonprofits, has quietly supported thousands of local residents since its founding—and today, thanks to an outpouring of community support and new partnerships, it’s expanding its reach in powerful ways.

Founded in 1982 by Edith and Dave Martin, Kalama Helping Hand began with humble beginnings: distributing government-issued milk, cheese, and bread from a small location on 1st Street. Their mission was simple—feed neighbors in need.

Today, the organization operates out of 191 Cloverdale Road, serving hundreds of individuals and families through a shopping-style food pantry and a free on-site clothing room, stocked with gently used clothes, shoes, linens, and essentials.

🧥 Annual Community Drives

With a strong foundation built on service, Kalama Helping Hand has grown in scope—and in recent years, it has expanded its outreach through two annual events:

• A Community Coat Drive

• A Seasonal Shoe Drive

Both initiatives launched through a collaboration with Gena Graham of HOME REAL ESTATE, with incredible results.

In Fall 2023, the coat drive brought in over 400 coats, ensuring children and adults in Kalama stayed warm during the colder months. In Spring 2024, the first Shoe Drive collected over 500 pairs of gently used and new shoes for all ages.

“These drives are a testament to what happens when community members and local businesses come together,” said Graham.
“This is what it means to live local and give local.”

As of Spring 2025, both drives have officially become annual events—with the second Shoe Drive just wrapped and another Coat Drive planned for the fall.

💬 The People Behind the Mission

One of the key figures helping expand Kalama Helping Hand community outreach is Stacy Bridges, who serves as Secretary, Food Bank Coordinator, and Manager—and plays a vital role in building relationships and delivering direct support.

They are supported by a dedicated team of 20+ volunteers—some of whom have served for over 20 years—who help keep daily operations running smoothly and compassionately.

“We’re not just handing out food,” said one long-time volunteer. “We’re offering kindness. Stability. A reminder that no one is alone.”

🏥 What They Provide

Kalama Helping Hand distributes a variety of grocery items including:

• Dairy and meats

• Canned goods

• Beverages and fresh produce

• Pantry staples

They also offer a free clothing and linens room, where families can access jackets, shoes, seasonal clothes, bedding, and other essentials—no cost, no judgment.

📍 How to Support

Donation Drop-Off:
🕒 Mondays | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Food Distribution:
🕒 Tuesdays | 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Location:
📍 191 Cloverdale Road, Kalama, WA

Phone:
📞 (360) 673-2814

Ways to help:
✔️ Donate food or clothing
✔️ Volunteer your time
✔️ Contribute financially or donate gift cards
✔️ Organize a drive at your business, school, or organization
✔️ Spread the word

💖 A Community That Cares

Kalama Helping Hand has spent over four decades proving that you don’t need a big building or a big name to make a big difference. With the help of its volunteers, board, and generous partners, this nonprofit continues to care for Kalama families—quietly, consistently, and compassionately.

A heartfelt thank-you goes to the volunteers incuding Board Members: Debbie Franzen, Mary Gillespie, Tawnya Merrell, Josh Dunham, Jack Moore, Janice VanRiper, Ben Pritchard, and Stacy Bridges

Again, a heartfelt thank you goes to all volunteers who give their time and energy each week to keep the mission alive:

Debbie Franzen, Karen Warren, Staci Mangan, Caralee Dunham, Dawn Redman, Bob Overholt, Jack Moore, Larry Williams, Greg Scheller, Monte Schrock, Janice VanRiper, John Redman, Vivian Wahl, Vicki Switzer, Robin Pritchard, and Meili. 

As our town grows, so does the importance of showing up for one another.

If you’d like to get involved, visit Kalama Helping Hand at 191 Cloverdale Road or call (360) 673-2814.

Want to stay connected to Kalama’s local stories, events, and impact?
As a REALTOR® who believes deeply in community-first living, I share more than just homes—I share what makes Kalama home.

📬Click here; Kalama's hottest Facebook page! or reach out anytime.

– Gena Graham | HOME REAL ESTATE

Blog published by:
Gena Graham | HOME REAL ESTATE
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📞 360.431.5773