GKCC and Feed the Children Project to host Swap ‘n’ Shop, and a 5K Fun Run

Editor’s Note: The Graham-Kapowsin Community Council and its partner in helping feed Bethel school kids, the Harvest House Food Pantry, are holding a Swap ‘n’ Shop meet, along with a 5K Fun Run, to raise money for their joint “Feed the Children Project.” The monies go to stocking weekly food bags that eligible Bethel students receive to sustain them through their weekends, holidays, and summer vacations when the school breakfast and lunch programs are not available.

The following press release was received from the GKCC and Mountain News contributor Paula Morris.

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May 6, 2016

SUMMER FUN EVENT FOR GRAHAM/KAPOWSIN AREA RESIDENTS

SWAP’ n’ SHOP/Fun-Run-Walk

Saturday June 4, 2016, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sponsored by: Graham/Kapowsin Community Council (GKCC), and Harvest House Food Pantry’s – Feed the Children Project.

WHERE?

Graham Elementary School

10026 204^th St

Graham, WA

Enjoy the day and help feed your community at the same time.

Featured will be: Unique handcrafted gifts as well as new items.

A 5K and 1K run will be held at 10 a.m. All ages invited to participate.

($10 donation is suggested. T-shirts will be available for $15.)

Please bring a non-perishable food donation to stock the food pantry and to replenish the GKCC backpack for kids, project.

If you would like to participate as a vendor: Fees range from $25-$30 for a 10X10 space. For application, (by May 27)

Contact: Carol Wright at 253-279-3071 or

Email at: carol.victoria.wright@gmail.com

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I love human-interest stories, don’t you? There are so many talented people in the Pierce County area. I had the privilege of meeting one of them the other day.

Calvin Gibson was kind enough to allow me to interview him for information about the SWAP’ n’ SHOP event accompanying this article.

Calvin is the “marketing arm” of the GKCC. He considers himself to be an inventor, and I would have to agree with that designation. In fact, he not only invents stuff—like collapsible Christmas trees–but is re-inventing himself as well.

After a few starts and stops career-wise, Calvin chooses to spend his days helping his community. He has been involved in the District for over eleven years. “Bethel Pride” featured him in an article, and the school district’s kids dedicated one of their yearbooks to him!

An unfortunate run-in with a major bank left Calvin without a house. But instead of considering himself a victim, he relocated to a living arrangement that allowed for him to be free of debt and stress. He now uses his time to “give” of himself to others.

I enjoyed Calvin’s entrepreneurial spirit and believe the Graham-Kapowsin Community Council is lucky to have him as part of their staff.

Be sure to say “hi” to Calvin at the SWAP’ n’ SHOP event, and hopefully you will find his “trees” for sale there!

Paula Morris

Graham, WA

(Author of “Newbie in Graham” column for the Mountain News-WA.)