Blaine Food Bank raises $30K

By Stefanie Donahue

One week before its Friday, December 21 deadline, the Blaine Food Bank raised $30,000. As a result, it will receive a $30,000 match from an anonymous donor.

“We made it,” said volunteer Joan Smith on December 18. “This town has just been amazing.”

Smith said a portion of the money will be used to pay for a new roof, which is leaking. The rest will be used for general operations and perhaps some additional heating, said volunteer Sally Church.

“We have been [serving] a lot of students,” Church said. “The need is unbelievable.”

Each week, the Blaine Food Bank serves an average 400 families, or 1,500 individuals, out of its location at 500 C Street. More than 80,000 pounds of food are distributed each month. It is open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.

Monetary and non-perishable food donations are accepted year-round. Cash or checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 472 or dropped off in person.

For more information about the food bank, call 360/332-6350.