Holiday food drive starts in December
The holidays seem to come upon us sooner with every passing year, and one thing never changes: the need to feed hungry families. Donations to local food banks are always in high demand any time of year, but are especially important now when families are gathering to share the holidays. The Jerry Woods Holiday Fire Engine Food Drive is one way to make donations and fill the Maple Valley Food Bank and Emergency Services’ shelves.
The Food Drive runs for the first three weekends in December. Two decorated fire engines drive through neighborhoods in the area (see route schedule) and collect food and monetary donations for the food Bank. The Fire Engine Food Drive also collects monetary and food donations at Safeway, Wal-Mart and Fred Meyer throughout December.
Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and youth groups help collect the donations with the Holiday Engine every year. Santa helpers will also be able to take donations using credit and debit cards.
You can track Santa and the Holiday Engines at www.HolidayEngine.org.
Share the Joy
Black Diamond Community Center has Christmas program for local families who are struggling for the holidays. Your children may qualify to receive Christmas gifts through our “Share the Joy” program which is available to low-income families with children up to 17 years old within Black Diamond, Ravensdale, Lake Sawyer, Green River Gorge, and Cumberland.
Applications may be picked up at the Black Diamond Community Center at 31605 Third Ave (SR 169) in Black Diamond. Applications are due Nov. 28 but sign up now so the elves can get an early start on shopping for your young ones. Parents can pick up gifts on Dec. 19th, from 3 to 6 p.m.
If you have questions, please call Cheryl Hanson at 360-886-1011.
Budget supports work to prevent flooding on Highway 169
Flooding on Highway 169 last winter caused major traffic delays in Maple Valley, Black Diamond, Enumclaw and the surrounding areas. King County FCD Chair Reagan Dunn announced that a study to assess the flooding will receive funding in 2017.
That highway is an important road for the residents in the area, it’s a main street for Maple Valley, Black Diamond and Enumclaw. During large flood events, the issues with the local drainage system has caused water to overtop 169 near the intersection of Cedar Grove Road forcing the highway to close.
$260,000 was set apart on Nov. 7 as a part of the King County FCD Budget adopted by the District Board of Supervisor. The money will go toward assessing what can be done to prevent flooding on this key highway.
The study will coordinate with the Washington State Department of Transportation to evaluate flood risk reduction opportunities, such as possibly raising Highway 169, upgrading local drainage infrastructure, or installing flood gates.
Free groceries for Thanksgiving
Through the generosity of local schools, businesses and the people of Solid Rock Community Church will be giving out 225 Thanksgiving meals this year.
The Big Give will take place on Nov. 19 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Kentwood High School cafeteria.
If you or anyone you know needs food, please come to the Big Give.
For questions contact Solid Rock Community Church at solidrockoffice@comcast.net or 253-638-1907 Holiday food drive starts in December.
