A Simple Gesture announces February red bag pick-up and donation priorities

A Simple Gesture - Anacortes is preparing for its February red-bag collection and laying out what donors should leave in their bags as the volunteer-run operation supplies the local food bank and eases logistics for workers and community volunteers. The group spells its goal plainly: "OUR MISSION: FEED THE HUNGRY IN ANACORTES."

The program runs on a recurring schedule described by the organization as the "2nd Saturday of even-numbered months." The A Simple Gesture blog lists "February 14, 2026" and "April 11, 2026" as upcoming pick-up dates, but a local Goskagit report says, "A Simple Gesture drivers will be out to pick up red bags from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12." That same report instructs donors that "When drivers take the filled red bags, they will leave empty ones for the next time. Bags should be out by 9 a.m." and offers an alternate drop-off option: "Anyone who can't get the bags out on Feb. 12 can drop donations off at The Salvation Army, 3001 R Ave., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday (closed noon to 1 p.m. for lunch)." Donors with scheduling conflicts can contact the group; Goskagit notes: "Email asimplegestureanacortes@gmail.com to be skipped or for more information."

A Simple Gesture supplied a comprehensive February needs list that covers pantry staples and family items. The list includes crackers; flour; sugar (white and brown); baking soda and baking powder; coffee (including single servings, no K-cups); tea; boxed shelf-stable milk; juices; pancake mix, syrup and honey; baking mixes; spices such as salt, pepper, chili powder and garlic powder; jam and jelly; peanut butter; cereal; nuts; Hamburger Helper; chicken broth; Pasta Roni and Rice-A-Roni; baked, refried and kidney beans; condiments including ketchup, mustard, mayo, salad dressing, BBQ sauce and relish; Top Ramen and Cup-o-Noodles; granola bars; and diapers in sizes 5 and 6. The Goskagit list supplements those items with protein drinks, spaghetti sauce, pork and beans, saltine crackers, baby wipes, and shampoo and conditioner. A Simple Gesture also signals what not to send: "NOT NEEDED: At this time, the food bank does NOT need: Green Beans." The blog notes a recent tally labeled "LAST DONATION: 10,935 pounds."

For workers and workplace organizers, the red-bag system offers a simple way to run small office drives, coordinate drop-offs and support colleagues who may be food-insecure. Volunteer drivers and food-bank staff rely on predictable delivery windows and prioritized lists so that sorting and distribution match demand. Employers looking to mobilize staff should confirm the final pick-up date and hours with A Simple Gesture before scheduling donation collections.

Contact details for donors and workplace coordinators are as follows: email asimplegestureanacortes@gmail.com, phone 360-399-6463, or mail to PO Box 1413, Anacortes WA 98221. Confirming the exact February pick-up date and the highest-priority items will help ensure donations arrive when and where A Simple Gesture - Anacortes needs them most.