PENINSUL — In a powerful demonstration of community service, the Peninsula Lions Club and the SW Pacific County Peninsula Rotary Club joined forces this past weekend to host their annual Celebrate Community Food Drive, a local event aimed at supporting food banks in Ocean Park, Ilwaco and Chinook. The collaborative effort successfully collected 2,642 pounds of food and raised $2,122 in donations for local food banks.

While food donations were slightly lower than last year, the drive made an even greater impact by donating cash directly to the food banks, allowing them to purchase essential fresh items like milk, eggs, and cheese — items that are often missing from standard food deliveries.

Held at three local grocery stores — Jack’s Country Store, Okie’s Thriftway, and Sid’s Market — the food drive brought together 34 volunteers, including Lions, Rotarians and other community members, who collectively contributed over 87 hours of service. The donations from this event will directly benefit hundreds of individuals in the community, many of whom rely on these local food banks for daily sustenance.

“We were overwhelmed by the generosity of the community,” said Debbie Mansell, president of the Peninsula Lions Club. “With so many people facing food insecurity, especially as we head into the colder months, this kind of support is crucial. Together, we made a difference.”

The Celebrate Community initiative is a joint effort between four of the world’s largest service organizations — Lions Clubs International, Rotary International, Kiwanis International, and Optimist International — to work together to tackle the most pressing needs in their communities. By combining resources and volunteer power, these organizations seek to amplify their impact, whether through food drives, environmental conservation projects, or health and wellness initiatives. The initiative aims to inspire collaboration and underscore the importance of community service.

For more information or to get involved with future community service projects, contact Mansell, president of the Peninsula Lions Club, liondebbiemansell@gmail.com, 360-991-2603, or Dennis Long, SW Pacific County Peninsula Rotary, longd6772@yahoo.com, 253-318-3992.