I LOVE this so much! Kim Bailey is the perfect example of someone Catching the Spirit. She is the owner of Pickles Deli on Whidbey Island, and provides healthy food options for people in her community. She also started the Island Neighbor Fund, and allows customers to order a simple sandwich and charge it to the Island Neighbor account if they cannot afford to buy a meal. The community can also donate to the fund and the response has been overwhelming. We’d love for you to get to know Kim, and what’s happening there on Whidbey.
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Catch hope & encouragement with Erica on weekday mornings from 5:00 AM – 10:00 AM, and Sundays from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM.
TRANSCRIPTION:
Erica:
We’ve got a difference maker from Whidby Island on the show this morning. Kim Bailey, welcome. How you doing?
Kim:
I’m good. Thank you for doing this with me.
Erica:
Well, thank you for making time for us on SPIRIT105.3. You’ve got such a big heart for the community. Kim, where does that come from?
Kim:
Ooh, I don’t know. I just want to make sure that everyone’s healthy and happy and cheerful and feel good.
Erica:
That’s awesome. Why did you start Pickles Deli? What’s the story behind your restaurant?
Kim:
Well, I was commuting because we live in Clinton on Woody Island, so I was getting home late and there wasn’t a lot of healthy food, so I was like, I wonder if people want big salads and good soups and healthy sandwiches. So, that’s where that came from. I said, okay, I guess I’m going to try it.
Erica:
I’ve got my hands in the air.
Kim:
So yeah, it’s worked out. I think this is year 17. We just had our 17th anniversary this month, this last month.
Erica:
Congratulations. That’s huge! And you’ve been noticing that there are more and more people in need these days. So, you came up with a special menu and a plan. Would you share what you’re doing?
Kim:
Sure. I was unable to sleep one night at three in the morning. So, I was on Facebook and I saw this little poster from a bagel shop in New York, and they said, if you’re in need of a bagel or a coffee, let us know and we’ll take care of it. So, I did some more research on that, and they started basically, well, I’m calling it the Island Neighbor Fund. And so, what you do is I have posters in the windows and I’ve got it everywhere. And if you’re without funding and would like a simple sandwich, you can ask the person at the register for the Island Menu and then order it. Ask us to charge it to the island neighbor account. And that’s what we do. They get a healthy sandwich, no big deal, no questions asked, and then if you’re interested in contributing, let us know with your order, and then they can donate, the community can donate money towards the fund. I’m just the person that is able to do all that. I have all the ingredients and the ability.
Erica:
Wow. What has the response been like from the people who want to give first?
Kim:
Well, it’s tremendous. It’s blown my mind. I can’t even fathom how the community is so giving. We’re getting donations from Mukilteo, from Everett. People are calling in. It’s crazy because everybody’s so busy working because everything is so expensive. So that means we have to work more, right? And gas, food, everything. So, this is a good way for people to give back without having to use their valuable home time, or relaxation time, activities… They’re able to just give and it helps so many people.
Erica:
I love that. How about the people on the receiving end who are just, they’ve fallen on hard times. How are they receiving this gift that you’ve given them?
Kim:
They’re so thankful. They can’t even believe that this is even an option for them, and I just want to do it because this is a really cheerful, warm, inviting place. Everybody’s very happy. We always have good music playing, and so, if you can come in, get something to eat, which can make you think better, right? Your brain’s functioning and they can sit and do what they need to do, just reset without any questions asked.
Erica:
I think that’s amazing. How is all of this making you feel right now? I mean, here we are. We’re in the Thanksgiving season, Kim, what is this doing to your heart?
Kim:
Well, I just feel so full. I can’t even express to you how… it’s just so wonderful and I just want other operations doing it, because we’re not doing anything. We have the ability to do these things, right? And with everyone contributing and giving, it’s so easy.
Erica:
When all of us do a little, it adds up to a lot.
Kim:
Yeah, so I really feel good. This program just has blown up. I just can’t even believe it.
Erica:
I can. That’s what love does. Well, Kim from Pickles Deli on Whidbey, thank you so much for Catching the Spirit. I really appreciate you sharing your story.
Kim:
Thank you so much for having me on the show. I really appreciate it.
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