The Eastside Month of Concern for the Hungry, “Share What You Can,” campaign collected more than 60,000 pounds of food and $11,000 in cash donations during the month-long food drive.

Neighborhood associations, community leaders, faith organizations, local grocery stores, businesses, hospitals and schools organized local efforts by hosting food drives and fund-raising events in their city from Sept. 25 through Oct. 23. The cities of Bellevue, Kirkland, Issaquah, Mercer Island, North Bend, Redmond, and Sammamish participated in the Month of Concern for the Hungry as a collaborative initiative among public and non-profit human service agencies spearheaded by the Eastside Human Service Forum.

“As the recession extends over time, food bank service needs continues to rise,” noted Rochelle Clayton Strunk, senior manager of Emergency Services, Hopelink. “The food drive results will help feed many families in need, especially during the holiday season.”

The emphasis for the month-long drive was to “Share What You Can” and fill food bank shelves with non-perishable food items before the holidays. Eastside Month of Concern for the Hungry was a community-wide effort benefiting local area food banks, including Hopelink, Emergency Feeding Program, ARAS Foundation, Issaquah Food Bank, Mercer Island Food Pantry, Mt. Si Food Bank, and Renewal Food program.

For more information about the Eastside Human Services Forum, and how you can get or give help this holiday season through Eastside Helps, please visit www.eastsideforum.org.