Donations are still needed to help re-building efforts
SACRAMENTO, Calif; (October 21, 2010)—Local organizations are coming forward to help River City Food Bank after a massive fire destroyed their building early on Thursday morning.
Sutter Health and Sutter Medical Center in Sacramento are donating $30,000 and holding an employee food drive to help raise the 8,000 lbs of food lost in the fire. The food bank has also received a $5,000 donation from the Golden 1 Credit Union, seven PC computers from Western Health Advantage, and office furniture from Ruland’s Used Office Furnishings. The community has also responded with generous monetary donations.
“This morning’s fire is a devastating loss for thousands of people in Sacramento who rely on River City Food Bank for nutritionally based emergency food,” said Eileen Thomas, Executive Director at River City Food Bank. “We are very thankful for the community’s generous support, as its imperative we are up and running again before the busy holiday season hits.”
Ways the public can help:
- River City Food Bank is accepting donations of all kinds. Online monetary donations are preferred at www.rivercityfoodbank.org
- A list of immediate needs can also be found on at www.rivercityfoodbank.org
- Goodwill Industries is accepting donations of canned and non-perishable food items. Donations can be made at any of 47 Goodwill Donation Xpress locations, all of which are listed at www.goodwillsacto.org.
Information for people who are hungry and need food:
- The food bank has temporarily suspended services but hopes to be operating from a temporary location by sometime next week.
- People in need of food should go to Central Downtown Food Basket or Sacramento Food Bank. Both food banks are prepared to receive an influx of people.
Facts about the fire:
- A cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
- The building has been heavily damaged by flames, smoke and water and will need to be re-built.
- Many people have asked about the food bank’s resident cats. One of cats, Mac, did not survive the fire. The other cat, Cheese, is still missing.
- Approximately 8,000 to 10,000 pounds of food were lost.
Facts about River City Food Bank:
- The food bank has been operating for 40 years, and provides three-day packages of nutritionally based emergency food.
- Clients represent every age and income group living in urban and suburban neighborhoods throughout Sacramento.
- The food bank serves around 3,000 individuals every month, or approximately 100-150 people every day.
As soon as any new information becomes available it will be posted on www.rivercityfoodbank.org OR www.facebook.com/RiverCityFoodBank.
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About River City Food Bank: River City Food Bank is the only Sacramento-area food bank open every weekday to anyone experiencing hunger, from anywhere in Sacramento County. RCFB offers nutritionally-balanced 3-day emergency food as well as shelter assistance, nutrition classes, and compassion.
