Knodel continues Hams From the Heart

The season of giving is underway, as is the second annual Hams From the Heart project helping to benefit local residents. Brandon Knodel is hard at work collecting donations in order to bring nourishment to families in need this holiday season.

Hams From the Heart collects monetary donations until Dec. 21 to put towards purchasing spiral cut hams for area residents who may otherwise not be able to afford a Christmas ham. Hams From the Heart was able to donate 120 hams to families last year, the majority of which were given to families in Lind, and the remaining hams were distributed to the Ritzville Food Pantry and the Washtucna Community Church.

Knodel began the fundraiser last year as a senior project, and had an overwhelming amount of support and success. This year, Knodel made the decision to continue the project because of the positive affect it has on the community, and because the need is still there.

“We have a great need, and I was moved to do it again. It’s not about us; people appreciate it. I love to see the smiles on their faces when they open the door, and that’s what brings joy to me. It’s the holiday season, there should be smiles,” Knodel said.

Knodel has been working with the churches and schools in Lind to determine how many families are in need of a traditional meal. He said the current goal is to collect enough money to purchase 40, spiral cut, glazed hams, which average between $15-25 in price.

For Knodel, he hopes that Hams From the Heart takes on an identity of its own and is not only affiliated with him, but stands as an example of the need in the community.

“It’s for our two communities, and what better way to come together and show true holiday spirit?” Knodel said about the project.

Knodel has received a spectacular amount of support this season with coordinating the fundraiser, due to his busy schedule and inability to be in town constantly. He is currently serving as the Washington FFA State Sentinel, and has spent the majority of the last six months traveling throughout the state. Local community members have stepped up to help coordinate the event, with Christy Saetre contacting churches to determine the need, and Staci Faw helping create posters for the project.

His biggest support system has come from his mother, Debbie, who has been distributing flyers in Knodel’s absence. Knodel is thankful she stepped up to help him in order to continue the project because it displays the importance of the meaning of the project: family.

“My mom hung up all the flyers, created the drop off box, and contacted people. I love my mom, I don’t know what I’d do without her,” Knodel explained. “Support is so crucial, and some people don’t have that support.”

Even with his hectic schedule, Knodel never thought twice about cancelling the Hams From the Heart project. He stated that just because he is not in the community constantly doesn’t mean that the need isn’t still there.

“It’s the least I can do,” Knodel stated. “It’s good for the community to have an organization to give to, and to have an impact on what’s around them. It stays local; it’s here.

“The community needs it, the need is here. It’s another option for people to give to and rely on,” he continued. “It is about active service, because we’re called to serve others.”

The project concludes on Dec. 21 and Knodel intends to deliver all of the hams the week before Christmas, after purchasing them from Jim’s Empire Market. A drop box for donations is located in Jim’s Market in Lind, or donations can be sent to Knodel at PO Box 462, Lind, Wash., 99341.

For more information, contact Knodel at 509-956-6068 or by email at [email protected].