For the past five years, the husband and wife team of Michael and Melonique Simpson have run the Grocery Outlet of Arlington, Washington, providing their community with groceries and necessities of every order. “In a close-knit town like Arlington, you really get to know everyone by operating a store like this, says Melonique. “It’s really great.”

Being an essential business, the Simpson’s have been able to keep the store open and operating. “We’ve really redoubled our efforts to make sure we are sanitizing everything and keeping everyone safe,” says Michael.

As such an important part of the community, the Simpson’s are looking to help where they can and were excited to jump on board with Columbia Bank’s Pass It On Project. Grocery Outlet of Arlington is providing gift cards to clients in need and Columbia Bank is picking up the tab. “We are passing it on by providing free groceries and gift cards to single mothers around town,” says Melonique. “When people are struggling, its incumbent on everyone else to help, and with Columbia Bank’s help, that is exactly what we are going to do.”