Submitted by Emergency Food Network
To many, five years seems like no time at all. To some, without their husband, wife, father, mother, brother, sister, son or daughter it is a lifetime.
Five years have passed since four Lakewood police officers were senselessly killed at a Parkland coffee shop. In partnership with Emergency Food Network, the family members of these fallen officers and the Lakewood Police Department created the Fallen Officers Food Drive to honor their memory by working toward something they believed in passionately: making a difference in the lives of people in the community they served. The officers dedicated themselves to the community in life, and now that dedication continues through this food drive.
In the last five years, this event has raised an incredible $103,748 in cash donations and 116,640 pounds of food. “With the help of generous neighbors, as well as friends and family across the nation, we have kept the memory of our four heroes alive,” said Helen McGovern-Pilant, Executive Director of Emergency Food Network.
As time has passed, the need in the community has continued to increase. In 2013, Emergency Food Network distributed 15.6 million pounds of food to 63 area food banks, meal sites, and shelters. Emergency Food Network made it possible for their partner food programs to accommodate 1,404,755 total visits in Pierce County. Since 2008, the demand for emergency food has increased 69% in our community.
“As the need continues to rise in 2014, we expect to surpass the 15.6 million pounds of food distributed in 2013,” McGovern-Pilant said. “We rely on successful food and fund drives to help us provide food for hungry children, adults, and seniors this holiday season.”
The goal for this year’s food drive is $50,000 and 50,000 pounds of food. For each dollar donated, Emergency Food Network can distribute over $12 worth of food.
During the months of November and December, cash donations can be made out to and mailed to Emergency Food Network (3318 92d St S, Lakewood, WA 98499). Food donations can be dropped off at the Lakewood Police Department (9401 Lakewood Drive SW, Lakewood, WA 98499) on November 26, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
For more information, visit www.efoodnet.org, call 253-584-1040, or email info@efoodnet.org.
