South Beach Christian Outreach: A Pillar of Support in Westport and Beyond

“It’s not just a food bank. It’s a family.” And each week, that family grows.

—Rebecca Troxel, Secretary of the Board, South Beach Christian Outreach

United Way Helping Turn Compassion Into Action

At the far edge of Grays Harbor, down a quiet road in Westport, you’ll find a warm, bustling building with open doors and open hearts. South Beach Christian Outreach (SBCO) has been a lifeline for the South Beach community for over 40 years—serving Westport, Grayland, Tokeland, and beyond. Rebecca Troxel, SBCO board secretary and dedicated volunteer, doesn’t hesitate to describe what makes this place different:

“South Beach Christian Outreach is not just a place to get food or clothing; it’s a place where people find community, restore their dignity, and experience hope.” - Rebecca

A Community Built on Care

South Beach Christian Outreach Westport, WA

Every week, South Beach Christian Outreach provides more than 200 food boxes to families in need. Each month, they serve more than 600 households with fresh produce, non-perishables, clothing, hygiene items, and hot meals.

But what makes SBCO special isn’t in the numbers—it’s the relationships.

Volunteers greet every guest with warmth. There’s laughter in the kitchen. Someone is always checking in, listening, offering a hand. It’s not just about filling bellies. It’s about reminding people they matter.

A Place Where People Matter

Every Tuesday, "Soups On" and something extraordinary happens at SBCO.

It’s not just about food distribution. It’s about showing up—week after week—to offer more than just a meal. It’s a welcoming space, a warm meal, and most importantly, a sense of belonging.

“It’s not just about meeting physical needs, It’s about walking alongside people. Building relationships. Restoring humanity.” - Rebecca explains.

Volunteers greet guests by name. Conversations fill the room. Laughter is shared over coffee. For the individuals and families who come, SBCO is a place of connection, community, and care. It’s about the relationships, the consistent compassion, and the open doors. What makes it special isn’t just what they do—it’s how they do it.

Giving Back, No Matter How Little

One of SBCO’s traditions is the small donation box placed inside their doors—a symbol of the community’s shared commitment to support one another. Last year, that small box collected nearly $2,700, generously donated by the very people who were in need themselves.

“People who have so little… and yet they give so much,” Rebecca reflects.

This simple yet powerful act of giving back speaks volumes about the culture SBCO has created—a culture of dignity, where everyone can contribute in some way.

Real Stories. Lasting Impact.

Kathy, a current volunteer, once walked through SBCO’s doors just looking for lunch. Her husband was in rehab. She felt lost and isolated.

“I didn’t think I’d ever find a family, But I did. Right here.” Kathy SBCO Volunteer

Today, she serves others from the kitchen with the same kindness she once received—proof that healing begins with belonging.

Rebecca also shared updates on Keith, Sarah, and Sharon, who visited United Way with her last year:

• Keith and Sarah, disabled veterans, continue to volunteer each week—greeting every guest with warmth and humor.

• Sharon graduated from a graphic design program and published her first book on Amazon.
  

This is what SBCO creates: possibility.

A Ripple of Hope

SBCO is creating hope. Their services touch many aspects of the community’s needs. Here, a hot lunch is just the beginning. South Beach Christian Outreach brings vital resources under one roof, meeting people where they are:

• God’s Closet provides free clothing, linens, and household essentials.

• The Department of Health and Olympic Area Agency on Aging visit regularly to help clients access Medicaid, food stamps, and housing support.

• The Westport Fire Department’s EMTs offer monthly blood pressure checks.

• Timberland Regional Library sets up a mobile pop-up once a month, bringing books, resources, and connection.

And thanks to generous neighbors, the table is always a little fuller:

• Aloha Alabama BBQ donates a hot meal once a month for all clients and volunteers.

• Little Richard’s Donuts delivers day-old pastries that bring joy to everyone who walks through the door.

• The Shopping Cart, a local grocery store, donates unsold food items—turning potential waste into nourishment for the community.

• Community Spaghetti Feed Fundraiser: Once a month, SBCO hosts a community $5 Spaghetti Feed, a fundraiser open to all. This affordable meal not only brings the community together but helps raise the funds needed to keep the doors open and the services running.
  

The support of these partners reflects the heartbeat of SBCO: neighbors helping neighbors, each doing what they can. And SBCO stretches every gift to go even further.

But the Need Is Growing

Like many local programs, SBCO is feeling the pressure. In 2022, they received 8 pallets of food a month from Coastal Harvest. This spring, they received just 2. Their bread grant has run out. They’re buying canned goods and rice out of pocket. Eight grant applications have been denied.

“We’re clawing at every available opportunity,” Rebecca said. “The hardest part of this job is seeing needs we can’t meet—people needing help with propane, rent, gas, laundry, and we just have to say, ‘We can give you food.’ And that breaks our hearts.”

Why United Way Grays Harbor Supports South Beach Christian Outreach

At United Way Grays Harbor, we don’t run the programs; we strengthen the ones that do. By listening, connecting, and investing in trusted local partners like SBCO, we help make real change possible right here at home.

“United Way gave us the security we needed to focus on serving people. Your support covered our mortgage. It kept us open. And every person who walks through our doors knows your name.” - Rebecca

By supporting SBCO, we’re helping extend the reach of compassion across our region, ensuring no one falls through the cracks.

This Is What Local Impact Looks Like

• 200 food boxes a week

• 600+ households served each month

• 5,000+ meals served each year

• Health, clothing, support, and dignity—all under one roof

This is what it looks like when a community refuses to let anyone fall through the cracks. It’s what happens when we show up when we believe in each other and when we build something better—together.

Get Involved: Make a Difference Today

• Attend SBCO Spaghetti Feed: Join us for a community meal—your $5 donation supports SBCO’s essential programs and build community.

• Volunteer: Help with food distribution, meal prep, or community events.

• Donate: Contribute non-perishable foods, hygiene items, or funds to support SBCO’s work.

• Spread the Word: Share SBCO’s mission and inspire others to help.

United is the Way. Together, we can make a lasting impact.