In the month of December, with holidays in full swing, Republic Services, a local solid waste and recycling service provider, worked together with its customers to help fight hunger. In less than a week,  the company’s residential route drivers collected 1,500 pounds of non-perishable food items from residents in Covington and Maple Valley and delivered it to the Maple Valley Food Bank.

“As members of the Republic team, we view ourselves as more than stewards of the environment,” said Dennis Manes, general manager for the local Republic Services division. “We are also stewards of the communities we serve. It gives us great pleasure to know we can and do make a difference in the lives of those in need.”

The Maple Valley Food Bank provides nutrition and emergency services to local residents in need, half of whom are children and senior citizens. During the year, the food bank serves 250-300 families each week. At the holidays, the organization helps an even greater number of families per week and provides a full, traditional meal for both Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

Lila Henderson, Executive Director of the Maple Valley Food Bank, said that in 2013, the organization served 1,288 families, noting that the history of neighbors helping neighbors is a tradition at least 60 years long.

In addition to its annual curbside food drive, Republic supported the Kent Fire Department’s Regional Fire Authority Annual Toys for Joy drive.  Matt Calantas, Municipal Outreach Specialist, decorated two 96 gallon recycling carts and filled them with toys for children ages 12 and under. Toys were collected, wrapped and distributed to local food banks and charities to help make the holidays brighter for families in need.

As the holiday season comes to an end, the Republic team does not forget about the need for food, toys, and more in the communities they serve.

“Our employees are committed to serving our communities, not just during the holiday season, but year-round,” added Manes. “We are proud to partner with these organizations and humbled by the outpouring of support from our customers.”