Last week, the Bitterroot Valley Kiwanis held their annual holiday food drive, providing food boxes to over 300 families. Ed Eldridge, a long-time member and the event’s coordinator, shared his thoughts on the significant impact of this effort.
Eldridge has been with the club for nearly 20 years, and this was his first time leading this major project. “There’s a need, and we want to help,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of community service. Kiwanis focuses on youth and teaching them the value of giving back. Eldridge believes that involving young people in these activities fosters selflessness. “Too many kids think there has to be money attached to helping,” he added.
This food drive has been running for more than 40 years. It’s a three-day event that relies heavily on youth volunteers from Hamilton and Stevensville. On Friday, middle school students packed boxes after the food was organized the day before. Volunteers filled carts and lined up, ensuring each box was loaded with essentials for families.
Families had the option to pick up their boxes at Hamilton High School or receive them via delivery. It typically takes volunteers about three to four hours to assemble all the boxes. Each family received two boxes filled with food, and there were additional items like ham or chicken and gift cards for other necessities.
One major change over the years has been the switch from giving out turkeys to providing pre-cooked meals. Eldridge noted that many families lack the means to cook raw food, so pre-cooked items allow for more accessibility. “These folks may not have much food,” he said, emphasizing the goal of getting as much nourishment to families as possible.
To gather the food, the Kiwanis team collaborates with local grocery stores, seeking bids to maximize their purchasing power. Tom Robinson, a former grocery store owner and Kiwanis member, mentioned that they save nearly 25% through this process. This approach not only reduces costs but also allows for greater contributions to the families in need.
In a significant improvement from the past, Pepsi from Missoula now donates transportation for the food, greatly reducing the time and effort required to move items to the assembly site. Robinson recalled that previously, countless trips were necessary to gather supplies. Now, they can accomplish this in just a few hours.
The total cost of the project hovers around $30,000 annually, all of which comes from community donations. Youth club members also organize contests to collect canned goods, which are included in the boxes.
Eldridge believes that the work these young volunteers do not only helps the community but also prepares them to step into leadership roles in the future. “Eventually, these kids will be running this group,” he said. Kiwanis is a global service organization, with programs for all ages, including college-level clubs. This involvement helps instill a legacy of service in the younger generation.
While they have a strong base, Eldridge encourages those interested in joining the Kiwanis to learn more through their website. Engaging with this organization provides not only support to local families but also fosters a spirit of community service that can last a lifetime.
This year’s food drive reflects a growing trend of community-driven efforts to combat hunger, especially as more families face economic challenges. Reports indicate that food insecurity continues to rise in many areas, making initiatives like this increasingly vital. By working together, communities can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need.
For more details on community support against hunger, check out the USDA’s recent findings on food insecurity here.
