Soap Lake Food Bank receives $10,000

SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Food Bank is getting a new roof and other upgrades with a $10,000 donation from Yahoo! Inc.

"We were educated on the good work that they do and we heard of a timely need that they have now," Yahoo! Vice President of Operations Kevin Timmons said.

Food bank board member Lon Topaz said the organization plans to replace its roof, an upgrade estimated to cost $5,000. The ceiling needs replacement because of water damage from the leaking roof. The bathroom, walk-in freezer and electrical system also need repair, Topaz said. He called the donation generous.

Other organizations chipped in while the food bank searched for funds, including $2,500 from Basic American Foods and $3,000 from REC Silicon.

The food bank is going to decide what to do with any leftover money. New shelving is an option, he said.

"There's a lot of stuff to do," he said.

The roof is going to be replaced in spring because every contractor in the community is booked through winter, Topaz said.