For the third consecutive year, the Salvation Army combined forces with The Community Market during December to distribute food to over 700 families.
Donors James and Lisa Wallace provided 22,000 pounds of shelf-stable food that was delivered via semi truck to Eagle County. The Wallaces are the owners of the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch and Tivoli Outlaw. Another 10,000 pounds of fresh food was sourced locally and added to bags donated by First Bank.
On Thursday, Dec. 14, the crew that unloaded the semi truck included Battle Mountain High School’s state soccer champions, representatives from the town of Vail and many other ambitious volunteers. The next day, 60 volunteers came to Avon Elementary School to assemble the fresh food bags.
The entire effort culminated on Saturday, Dec. 16 when 150 delivery people came to Avon Elementary School and The Community Market in Gypsum to deliver the food throughout our valley. Clients also received a $20 gift card to City Market from an anonymous donor. By the New Year, Salvation Army and The Community Market will distribute over 800 food bags to local residents.
The annual Vail Valley holiday food delivery and donation involves a large group of volunteers, generous donors and a great deal of coordination. The holiday food that is distributed is greatly needed and appreciated as food costs have escalated along with the cost of living in the Vail Valley.