Home Depot employees have begun collecting items for the Maple Valley Food Bank and they’re hoping to see donations pick up during the course of the food drive.

Ira Dunlap and Deena Purple, who work at the Contractor’s Services Desk at the Covington Home Depot, decided to incorporate the food drive into their inaugural event for contractors.

Collections in the first week are “starting a little slow,” Dunlap said, but he’s confident that will pick up during the next few weeks.

This event is slated for June 19 and is an opportunity for contractors, vendors and the public to all get together and it is a chance for Home Depot employees to express appreciation for the professionals they work with.

For Dunlap and Purple it seemed important given the current economic climate to add a special touch to the event that “had an impact.”

The pair hope to fill a 5-by-5 foot bin several times over during the next few weeks with the goal to have so many donations the Maple Valley Food Bank truck is overflowing.

“Hopefully we can make several trips,” Dunlap told the Reporter in April.

Food drives like this are critical for the food bank’s survival as the staff has seen an increase in demand, but a decrease in donations.

Donations will be accepted at the Covington Home Depot through June 19 and on the wish list are items like peanut butter, jelly, tomato products, hygiene items, diapers, baby wipes, soup, pancake mix, cereal, beans, rice, pasta and more. Pet food would also be appreciated.

For information contact Purple or Dunlap at (253) 638-9011, extension 388, or send e-mail to prodesk_4737@homedepot.com.