Mattawa food bank thankful to donors
Several Mattawa Area Food Bank volunteers, including board member Araceli Valdovinos (green sweatshirt, left), organize food packages for distribution to families on Dec. 22.
MATTAWA - The Christmas holiday was merry and plentiful for 500 families in the Mattawa area, thanks to the efforts of numerous Mattawa Area Food Bank volunteers.
All of the donations, which included 250 turkeys gathered in a drive spearheaded by a Wahluke High School senior, were in on time for a Dec. 22 distribution.
"Because of these efforts, over 500 households in our area enjoyed a very special holiday dinner," volunteer Robin Curtis said.
Once again, Curtis said, the Mattawa community stepped up with multiple donations. Food drives by Wahluke Jr. High, Saddle Mountain Elementary, Cub Scout Troop 94, Grant County PUD employees, Lep-Re-Kon Harvest Foods and several individuals contributed more than 2,000 pounds of food and $600 cash.
"A special thank you goes to Jonah Gallacci (WHS senior)," Curtis said.
Gallacci orchestrated a turkey drive with the support of the LDS church, other local churches and individuals. It resulted in 250 turkeys being delivered to the food bank on Friday, Dec. 21.
During the month of December, the food bank, which is located in the Port of Mattawa, distributed 1033 boxes of food to the community. All of the aforementioned donations helped make this possible.
Wahluke Jr. High also collected five large bags of warm coats which were handed out during the Dec. 22 distribution.
New at the food bank this year is a permanent sign designed, constructed, and placed by Austin Zirker. Zirker completed it as an Eagle Scout project at the end of August.
"Much thought and effort went into the sign, and the board of directors appreciates Austin choosing the food bank for his project," Curtis said.
"Mattawa Area Food Bank is fortunate to be a part of this wonderful, giving community," Curtis added. "The board of directors would like to thank everyone for their help and wish all a happy and safe new year."
This Saturday, Jan. 12, will be a distribution day at the food bank. Food will be available between noon and 3 p.m. The food bank is located at 23898 Road T.2 SW.