Donations help area food banks

For the second year in a row, a donation by Plum Creek will help local food banks deal with continuing impact of the economic recession:  historically high numbers of individuals and families who need help this holiday season.

The company presented a total of $30,000 in checks to seven community food banks that serve northwest Montana: Columbia Falls Food Bank, Flathead Valley Food Bank, Libby Food Pantry, North Valley Food Bank, Northwest Montana Veterans Stand Down and Food Pantry, Tobacco Valley Food Pantry and Westshore Community Assistance Program. 

Plum Creek donated $10,000 to the Polson Loaves and Fish Pantry in July for a building renovation project.

Plum Creek employees pitched in, collecting food and personal items for the food banks.

“These are tough times for many of our neighbors. Some families are still struggling to make ends meet,” said Tom Ray, Vice President, Northwest Resources and Manufacturing, Plum Creek. “The food banks are serving a critical need in our community and deserve our support. We hope our donation this week means that some families will have a better holiday.”

A slowly recovering economy means more demand on food banks to fill the gap for many families in northwest Montana. Food bank operators are struggling to serve twice as many clients as they did several years ago, before the economy worsened.

Roger Jones, a former Plum Creek employee, now works at Flathead Food Bank as a pick-up and delivery driver. “Every day I see evidence of the needs in the Valley,” he said. “Plum Creek’s generosity will make a difference for many families this holiday season.”