Guardsmen Plan Ongoing Food Drive

Story by SSgt Lyn Fry; Photos by SSgt Gerry Bozarth & SRA Craig Hulse   -   Posted Feb, 2003

MSgt Cindy Moser, who proposed this ongoing food drive

Since September 11, 2001, we hear a lot about the heroes who serve in our armed forces, those who risk their lives so that we may continue to be a free nation.  But look closer you will also see our military accomplishing heroic acts in and around our communities.

Serving others in what some may consider a small way is actually having a huge impact on communities in Snohomish County.  The 215th Engineering Installation Squadron, EIS, located at Paine Field in Everett, is arranging unit participation in an organized food drive.  This food drive is actually a twelve-month plan in which different foods are targeted each month as well as different county food banks.  The food banks targeted are the smaller ones in Snohomish County.

In January, 100 pounds of food was collected and presented to the Volunteers of America, VOA.

In January, 100 pounds of food was collected and presented to the Volunteers of America, VOA.

     The Marysville Food Bank was the recipient for February, receiving 70 pounds of macaroni and cheese, for the Lake Stevens Food Bank in March they are collecting soup, tuna in April for Arlington, etc.

MSgt Cindy Moser, who proposed this ongoing food drive, said she was inspired by the governors Martin Luther King Day food drive.  MSgt. Moser, along with food drive coordinator, SSgt Amy Roberts, contacted the food banks and learned that the need for food is not seasonal, but ongoing - and the year long program was born.

MSgt Cindy Moser commented that they publicize a single food item per month, but do not turn away other items.  The monies collected are given to the selected food bank of the month.  SSgt David Barnett, brainchild for this particular effort, manned the espresso machine in March, collecting over $50.00 in donations.

SSgt David Barnett, brainchild for this particular effort, manned the espresso machine

This exemplifies the support and dedication the 215th members have for their unit and the community as a whole. They have also been given donations of cash.  The 215th members support this program with purchase of espressos available throughout a chosen drill weekend.