Eastside Firefighters Organize Food, Toy Drives For Area Families

ISSAQUAH, WA — Each year, the Issaquah community has traditionally donated more than 30,000 pounds of food and thousands of dollars worth of toys, clothing and other donations to local families in need during the holiday season.

Like they have in the past, Eastside Fire and Rescue will again partner with the Eastside Firefighters Local Union 2878 and the Eastside Firefighters Benevolence Fund for several local fundraisers, including the Fill the Truck Food Drive and Reindeer Engine Toy Drive.

According to organizers, these events help benefit the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank, the Snoqualmie Valley Food Bank and Hopelink Carnation. This year as local residents continue to deal with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, donations will be accepted online during a holiday food and toy drive. To donate, click here or TEXT “GIVE” to (339) 229-5551.

To celebrate the holiday season, Eastside Fire and Rescue 83, located at 3425 Issaquah Pine Lake Rd., will be turned into drive-thru of lights and apparatus, organizers said, to help raise awareness about local fundraising efforts. Additional details about drop-off times will be released soon, officials said Tuesday.

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 50 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.