DEER PARK, Wash. – Firefighters in Deer Park are stepping beyond their usual duties this week by launching a food drive to support local families in need as the holidays approach.
Crews from Spokane County Fire District 4 spent Wednesday afternoon at the Deer Park Yoke’s, collecting donations of canned food and other non-perishables. The effort marking the first day of their emergency food drive.
“We’re doing our annual food drive, which we start November 1st. We go all the way through to November 30th. And Yoke’s, who’s been a great partner with us, is allowing us in their lobby so we can start collecting some food today,” said David Lachapelle, assistant fire marshal with SCFD 4.
All donations received will stay local, replenishing the shelves at the Greenhouse Food Bank and the North County Food Pantry in Elk. For those who rely on this help, it serves as a reminder that their community still cares.
“As a food-stamp user I appreciate it, and appreciate it for the 42 million people that don’t really have a system right now because of the government shutdown,” said Shan Ackerman, a community member.
Lachapelle explained that for firefighters, this drive is not about charity. It’s about neighbors supporting each other during challenging times.
“It’s not a handout, we’re helping each other. All of us have come at different points in our lives and we need assistance. Right now we’re all having tough times in the economy. It’s the community helping the community,” Lachapelle said.
The emergency drive will continue from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. through this Friday. If you miss them, crews emphasize that you can still drop off food at any District 4 station through the end of the month.
