As a woman farmer and a professional with twenty years of experience in food systems, Leslee has been working with many of these farmers for years. They are her friends and colleagues.

Yesterday, I sent out an email to friends and farm supporters asking for donations of essentials from the list that Leslee and her contacts in Portland have developed. The response has been absolutely incredible. Leslee is experiencing the same outpouring of generosity.

Today has been a dizzying series of events. Our initial plan was to drive a 16 foot U-Haul van down to Portland on Sunday to deliver these essential items to a distribution center there. That location, as well as the back-up location, have both been compromised. Leslee was able to make contact with the Multnomah County Farm Bureau today which was able to make contact with emergency management services. They are working with Leslee to put together a plan to be able to receive these items as soon as possible. In a quick phone conversation we had just a bit ago, Leslee indicated that they were deeply moved that the Kitsap community was mobilizing in such a monumental way. But, this does not surprise me in the least. ❤️ Kitsap ❤️

There are two drop off locations for essential items needed included in the list below. One is Leslee‘s home in Indianola (PM Leslee for directions and to set up a drop off time). The other is at our farm on Sherman Hill Road in Poulsbo.

Petal & Pitchfork Farm
2558 NW Sherman Hill Rd
Poulsbo, WA 98370
Saturday, September 12th
10 AM to 4 PM

The ONLY current window at our farm, for drop off of these items, clean and in good condition, is tomorrow, Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM. I am not able to arrange a pick up or work outside of this window. There may be more opportunities in the future if you’re not able to make it during this time.

I am typing this out as I sit here in the parking lot of Bainbridge Self-Storage on Sportsman’s Club Road. Kelsey and I have known Janice for well over a decade. She has mobilized their community and I am about to return to the farm with the first full load of pet supplies, crates, dog food, cat food, pet dishes and so much more. They’ve set up a tent to receive these items and know that Leslee is working on our end to open up a channel for distribution. The generosity has moved me to tears more than once.

Thank you all for listening and caring and I hope you’ll consider a donation of items that may be sitting around, unused… 🙏🏽

DONATIONS NEEDED:

sleeping bags
air mattresses
tents
bottled water
travel shampoos, lotion, soaps
toothbrushes
toothpaste
prepackaged food items (granola bars, etc)
fresh fruit (apples, oranges, bananas)
diapers
wipes
formula
bottles
very gently used clothing – all sizes, all genders
pet supplies
food and produce welcome as well