PORT TOWNSEND — High school students delivered 38 packages of home-baked holiday cookies to the Jefferson County Winter Shelter last week, carrying on what has become a holiday tradition.
While the practice is only in its fourth year of operation, “it has become a tradition because we’ve done it long enough that people expect it,” said Jennifer Kruse, Port Townsend High School culinary arts teacher.
The volunteer-run shelter opened Nov. 29 for its 10th season and will operate in the basement of the American Legion Hall at 209 Monroe St. in Port Townsend through mid-March.
About 40 students from two classes participate in the holiday cookies tradition, Kruse said.
This year, they put together 38 bags that were placed on shelter guests’ pillows Friday night.
The bags contain an assortment of peanut butter, mint, sugar and chocolate chip cookies, Kruse said.
The students delivered the cookies to the shelter but did not distribute them.
They are not allowed contact with the shelter guests because they are younger than 18, Kruse said.
The shelter is only for adults. No one younger than 18 is allowed.
Families in need of shelter can call the housing services number for Olympic Community Action Programs (OlyCAP), 360-385-2571, while domestic violence survivors needing housing can contact Dove House at 360-385-5292 or 360-385-5291.
During the course of the year, students also prepare complete meals for shelter guests, Kruse said.
Open from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily, the shelter has beds for 23 men and eight women. Additional beds can be added if there is need.
Each guest receives a hot meal each night, breakfast and a bag lunch.
There is no limit to the number of days guests can stay.
The shelter operates through a cooperative agreement among the Community Outreach Association Shelter Team (COAST), OlyCAP and the Marvin G. Shields American Legion Post 26, which has provided the space for all but the first year of the decade of the winter shelter.
About 500 volunteers from faith-based communities, civic groups and businesses, as well as individuals, keep it running.
For more information, call 360-796-0420.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.