Firm donates to food banks

For the fourth year in a row, donations by Plum Creek Timber Co. will help local food banks meet needs during the holiday season.

The company has donated $35,000 to seven community food banks that serve Northwest Montana — Columbia Falls Food Bank ($7,500); Flathead Valley Food Bank ($12,500); Libby Food Pantry ($2,500); North Valley Food Bank ($4,000); Northwest Montana Veterans Stand Down and Food Pantry ($4,000); Tobacco Valley Food Pantry ($2,500) and Westshore Community Assistance Program ($2,000).

Plum Creek employees pitched in, collecting food and donating more than 150 turkeys to the food banks.

The Plum Creek Foundation also contributed another $5,000 to the North Valley Food Bank’s building campaign.

The food bank in Whitefish serves up to 150 households a week and has outgrown the small house where it is currently located. Additionally, Plum Creek recently donated $1,800 in plywood to support the expansion of the Columbia Falls Food Bank.

“Many of our neighbors are still facing difficult times and struggling to make ends meet,” said Tom Ray, vice president of Northwest Resources and Manufacturing for Plum Creek. “The food banks are serving a critical need in our community and deserve our support. We hope our donations this week will mean a happier holiday for many community residents.”