FOOD PROGRAMS

Bringing Comfort—and Nourishment—During the Holidays

For families facing food insecurity, the holidays can bring added stress instead of celebration. We believe every family deserves a table filled with nourishment, dignity, and hope.

That’s why we provide holiday meal baskets at Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas—helping ensure families in our community can experience the warmth of a shared meal during these meaningful times.

Thanksgiving holiday meal basket registration will open in mid-October 2026.

We look forward to serving families again soon.

A Little Help When It’s Needed Most

Our onsite food pantry is here to help bridge the gap for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. We focus on providing foods that are easy to prepare, requiring little to no cooking or kitchen access—so that everyone can receive nourishment with dignity and ease.

In addition to food, we also offer basic hygiene essentials, supporting both health and well-being.

Items are available during our walk-in hours, no appointment needed.
To ensure we can serve as many people as possible; guests may receive food and supplies up to twice per month.

Pantry Hours:

• Tuesdays & Thursdays: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

• Saturdays: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

We’re here to meet you where you are—with compassion, care, and practical support.

COMMUNITY

Restoring Dignity Through Everyday Care

For those without access to a washer and dryer—or facing the rising costs of laundromats—our laundry program offers a practical, welcoming solution.

Guests are invited to use our facilities on a first-come, first-served basis, with all supplies provided. Participants care for their own laundry and are asked to remain onsite during their wash.

To ensure we can serve as many people as possible, each guest may wash one load per visit (or two loads per household). Space is limited.

Laundry Hours:

• Tuesdays & Thursdays: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Last load at 4:00 PM)

• Saturdays: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Last load at 11:00 AM)

We’re here to support simple, everyday needs—because dignity begins with care.

Each August, The Compassion Center hosts our annual Back to School Summer Bash—a community-wide effort to come alongside families facing real financial strain as they prepare for a new school year.

For many, the cost of school supplies can feel overwhelming. Together, with the support of local churches, businesses, and donors, we help ease that burden while creating a joyful day families can look forward to.

This event is more than a giveaway—it’s a celebration. Families receive free backpacks and school supplies, groceries, and a hot lunch, while enjoying popcorn, snow cones, community resources, and fun for all ages.

Last year, we served 1,250 children and parents.
This year, we’re stepping forward in faith to reach 3,000 children and parents.

To make this possible, our 2026 goal is to partner with businesses willing to sponsor the event at $20,000, along with churches and donors who can provide backpacks and school supplies —helping ensure every child starts the year equipped, confident, and encouraged.

At its heart, this event is about more than supplies. It’s about creating a space that is joyful, dignifying, and community-driven—where families are reminded they are seen, valued, and supported.

Join us.
Sign up today to volunteer, sponsor, or donate—and be part of making a difference for local children and families.

SUPPORT GROUPS & CLASSES

Building Confidence Through Connection

Our English classes are designed to help adults grow in confidence through practical, everyday conversation. In a welcoming and supportive environment, participants practice real-life communication skills—making it easier to navigate conversations at work, at home, and in the community.

Through group discussions and hands-on learning, students build language skills that open doors to greater connection and opportunity.

Classes are free and open to all adults.
Join us on Saturdays from 10:00–11:30 AM at The Compassion Center.

Ready to get started? Sign up here.

Finding Hope in the Midst of Grief

GriefShare support groups offer a caring, supportive environment to help you navigate the challenges of loss and begin the journey toward healing and renewal.

Each weekly session includes a video seminar featuring trusted experts, meaningful group discussions centered on a specific topic, and opportunities for personal reflection and study—all designed to help you process grief at your own pace.

You don’t have to walk through grief alone.

Our next GriefShare session will begin in September 2026.

KIDS/SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Hunger Is Closer Than You Think

Across the nation, just over half of elementary students (53%) qualify for free breakfast and lunch. Here in Everett, that number rises to 73% in five local elementary schools—serving 2,861 students.

That means at least 2,089 children in these five schools are facing food insecurity.

In one of these schools, every single student—100%—qualifies for free meals.

For many of these children, weekends are the hardest. When school meals aren’t available, hunger doesn’t take a break.

That’s where our Backpack Teams step in—providing weekend meals each month to 200 students and their families, ensuring they have something to eat when school doors are closed.

But the need is greater than what we can currently meet.

Your support can change that.
Give today and help us reach more children with the nourishment—and hope—they deserve.