09/16/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Community Comes Together to Fill the Shelves of the Gifts from the Heart
Food Bank
Central Whidbey Sportsman Association and Bayside Armory host food drive event, raising $623 and over 50
pounds of food for local families in need
COUPEVILLE, WA — September 15, 2026 — On Saturday, September 12, more than 100 community members
gathered on Central Whidbey to support their neighbors in need, coming together for a food drive event benefiting
the Gifts from the Heart Food Bank in Coupeville. The event was hosted by the Central Whidbey Sportsman
Association in partnership with Bayside Armory.
Each attendee was asked to bring a canned good and purchase $2 tickets to participate in the day's events. The
community responded in a big way, donating more than 50 pounds of non-perishable food and purchasing enough
tickets that the Central Whidbey Sportsman Association was able to donate all $623 in proceeds directly to the food
bank.
“We wanted to create something that brought people together for a good cause, while also opening our doors so
folks could see what our club is really about,” said Bob Clark, President of the Central Whidbey Sportsman
Association. “Seeing over 100 people turn out, and knowing that every single one of them walked away having
helped a neighbor, that's what this community is all about.”
In addition to the food drive, attendees enjoyed a full day of activities, including live demonstrations and friendly
competitions, along with the opportunity to learn more about the Central Whidbey Sportsman Association and its
mission.
The Central Whidbey Sportsman Association thanks Bayside Armory for its partnership in making the event
possible, and extends its gratitude to everyone who came out to support the Gifts from the Heart Food Bank.
The Gifts from the Heart Food Bank serves families throughout Central Whidbey Island, and donations like these
help ensure that no neighbor goes without a meal.
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About the Central Whidbey Sportsman Association
The CWSA was founded on 11 December 1947 with the principles of comradery and sportsmanship being foremost
considerations. By providing and maintaining a premiere facility to foster the shooting sports, the aims of the
founders will be self-perpetuating.
The CWSA will continue to provide a safe environment where firearm enthusiasts may exercise and share their
fondness of the shooting sports. This will be accomplished through offered firearm education in all disciplines,
friendly competitions, and meetings related to those topics.
Recognizing that a positive public perception is paramount to the success of the CWSA’s mission, the Association
and its members will always practice sound principles of citizenship and fellowship. To that end, all will be
encouraged to join the Association, participate in its offerings, and contribute to its mission in any way possible.
Media Contact:
Nancie Hartman
310-993-5387
[email protected]
CWSAOnline.or
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