When Trinity United Methodist Church in Sequim learned that there was a great need for socks and underpants for foster children in their community, the congregation donated more than 1,200 pairs for youths of all ages — from infants to teens.

“Children often enter foster care with little more than the clothes on their backs,” Carol Pope, a member of the North Olympic Foster Parents Association, said.

Church pastor Bill Green added, “Although folks often think of Sequim as a place for retirees, we have a significant number of families and children in need in our community. When we get a chance to do a program that targets a specific need, our members take it to heart. It’s the first time I have ever said a blessing over a plastic swimming pool filled with underwear.”

Diana Stoffer, Faith in Action coordinator at Trinity United Methodist Church, filled a bulletin board with donation cards that listed specific items like “Toddler Boys training pants, size 3T-4T.” Throughout February, donation cards were selected by church members who brought their gifts back to church, to place in the bins provided.

On Leap Day 2016, TUMC delivered 16 bulging paper grocery bags to the North Olympic Foster Parents Association, to be distributed as needed to the foster children in Clallam County.