Food bank gets boost from Surprise firefighters

Firefighters see community members in their greatest time of need. And with the economy taking a toll on most everyone, the need for assistance is growing.

To help, the Surprise Professional Firefighters Association is sponsoring a firehouse food drive to benefit Valley View Community Food Bank, 11115 W. Nevada Ave. in Youngtown, which provides free food boxes has a home delivery program for those who are in need.

The drive began Thursday and continues through July 30.

Nonperishable food items may be dropped off at any of the six Surprise fire stations, which have bins outside their doors.

"As firefighters, we are interested in the welfare of the community," said association Vice President Branley Williams. "And any opportunity we have to improve others' lives, we'll jump on that."

Williams said firefighters often encounter families that need assistance when they respond to emergency calls.

"When firefighters are invited into homes, they do see that need, when folks are struggling," Williams said. "That is an opportunity to put them in touch with resources, and (Valley View Community Food Bank) will be another resource we include in our crisis response service."                                                                           

Valley View Community Food Bank Director Jesse Ramirez said the donations will give the food bank a boost at the end of the summer, when donations typically drop.

"Usually in the summer months, people are away and not supporting food banks," Ramirez said.

But Ramirez said the need for assistance continues to grow.

"We help about 160 to 175 people every day," Ramirez said.

Donation locations for the firehouse food drive can be found on the fire department's Web site at http://www.surpriseaz.com/index.asp?NID=1510.

Joy Slagowski may be reached at 623-876-2514, or jslagowski@yourwestvalley.com.