The Target Zero program partnered with local law enforcement, fire, and EMS workers in Grant County over the weekend during a Basin-wide food drive to support food banks. Collection stations were set up in Moses Lake, Ephrata, Soap Lake, Quincy and Royal City.

Alison Mitchell, Target Zero manager with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission in Grant, Adams, Lincoln and Ferry counties, estimated on Saturday that almost 10,000 pounds of food were donated in total.

Face masks and traffic safety information packets were handed out at the donation collection sites.

Target Zero is a Washington Traffic Safety Commission plan and collaborative effort focused on a goal of zero traffic fatalities in Washington through planning, events and programs.

“I’m super proud of our community and the way that they’ve stepped up to help their neighbors in need,” Mitchell said. “Just really proud of each and every community that participated.”

Mitchell said she was also grateful for the assistance of the first responders.

“If you can help out your neighbor with some food during this crazy time that we’re living in while a lot of people are going through some hardships, that’s incredible,” Mitchell said.

For people who are not able to donate, Mitchell said driving safely and following the rules of the road can benefit your neighbor, too.

Mitchell said several individuals made cash donations for the food drive, including one person who donated about $2,000 for the food bank in Ephrata.

Mitchell had heard of another individual at the Ephrata location who was brought to tears as they donated a cart full of items after having relied on the food bank in the past.

“It’s great to see that full circle progression of those folks who donate within our communities,” Mitchell said.

With other events and programs stalled this year due to COVID-19-related restrictions, Mitchell said she wanted to find a way to assist the community while still spreading information about the Target Zero program.

Mitchell said she hopes the event can help food banks stock up before the holiday season arrives. She said she would love to see the food drive become an annual thing, even if it doesn’t always fall exactly at this time.

“This is everybody’s community. Everybody that is participating in the event, it’s their community,” Mitchell said. “It’s our neighbors in need, and if we can do something to support them, then that’s fantastic.” Casey McCarthy can be reached via email at [email protected].