RICHLAND, Wash. – Tri-Cities Co-Op hosted a record turnout for its Sunday Distribution Day, an event organized by Tri-Cities Distribution, which has been giving back to the community every Sunday since December.
The event offers free clothes and food to those in need. Acting Manager Fian Uir emphasized the importance of providing weather-appropriate clothing as the cold season approaches.
“We are looking for camping clothes that are weather appropriate, things that are durable. We also distribute underwear and socks when we have it. It’s just a matter of funding. It varies from month to month,” said Uir.
Uir addressed misconceptions about what people can take, stating that they never limit what someone can take.
“Everybody has different needs when it comes to food. When it comes to clothing, it’s not for us to determine what someone can take and what they can’t. We have to trust them to know what they need and try to provide it for them to the best of our ability,” said Uir.
Uir expressed how the distribution has fostered a sense of community, which is crucial for those in need.
“Everyone deserves to have a meal. Everyone deserves to have their needs met. We’re just people. We all need to have our needs met. We all need community, and we all need support,” said Uir.
For those unable to attend Sunday Distribution Day, Uir mentioned the Community Pantry, a cabinet inside the co-op with food available seven days a week.
Tri-Cities Distribution will be back next Sunday at 1:00 p.m. for another day of distribution.
