Fundraiser supports food bank

With two weeks remaining in the 7th Annual Kent Turkey Challenge, participants have reported collecting 800 items of food and $3,000 in donations for the Kent Food Bank.

The Annual Kent Turkey Challenge this year has a goal of raising $25,000 and 10,000 pounds of food.

The event is held among local businesses, organizations, churches, schools and community members to see who can raise the most food and monetary donations for the food bank. At this time, 71 different groups and companies have joined the challenge to support this event, and businesses are still able to sign up. Recently, the Annual Kent Turkey Challenge was recognized by the Kent City Council with an official Proclamation.

“This is not only what we have to do as a community, but what we love to do as a community. It’s essential that we take care of each other,” said Torklift Central owner Jack Kay. “We can all stand together to make sure that our local Kent families have a memorable meal for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We have an opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. That’s what we are here to do.”

Now through Nov. 15, 2017, anyone can go into a participating business and donate canned goods in their donation bins or for $10, purchase a paper turkey with their name on it to be displayed in that particular business. One hundred percent of all the donations received go to the Kent Food Bank.

“Over the span of the event, Kent businesses and organizations raised more than $111,000 and 33,000 pounds of food,” Kay said. “Thousands of people have been helped through the Kent Turkey Challenge and Kent Food Bank.”

Last year, thanks to the efforts of the community to raise monetary donations for the Kent Turkey Challenge, the Kent Food Bank was able to purchase fresh items in addition to turkey and chicken, including real butter, fresh celery and fresh sweet potatoes for the first time.

In addition to collecting donations for the food bank, participating businesses will also be hosting a Turkey Challenge Coloring Contest for children 13-years-old and younger.

To sign up for the Kent Turkey Challenge, visit torkliftcentral.com/turkey.

[Source: Kerstin Stokes, Torklift Central]

Michelle Gehlman-Teeter

Michelle Gehlman-Teeter is a writer and photographer from Kent, Washington. Michelle is a contributor to iLoveKent.net. She loves to find interesting places to go and fun things to do and share them with her readers. Click links to see her writing, photography or Facebook page.