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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

In brief: National Night Out parties registered

SPOKANE VALLEY – Tuesday is National Night Out and dozens of Valley neighborhoods plan to throw a party.

The 27th annual event is designed to heighten crime- and drug-prevention awareness as well as bring communities closer. As of Thursday there were 39 parties registered, 29 in the Greater Spokane Valley area, said Spokane County Sheriff’s Office crime prevention Deputy Greg Snyder. More groups are expected to sign up before Tuesday.

Each party is limited to residents living in the immediate neighborhood. There are gatherings planned in Ponderosa, Edgecliff, Millwood and Bella Vista as well as other neighborhoods.

Residents interested in finding a National Night Out gathering in their neighborhood can call Snyder at (509) 477-2592. People interested in hosting a party can register their gathering by calling Snyder.

USDA staff taking food donations

OPPORTUNITY – The employees at the local USDA Risk Management Agency, 11707 E. Sprague Ave. in the Redwood Plaza, have joined in an ongoing food drive, held through Aug. 31. The USDA’s goal is to collect 1.2 million pounds of food nationwide.

Donations may be dropped off at the local office Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. All food collected will be delivered to the Spokane Valley Partners Food Bank.

For more information, call (509) 228-6320 or visit www.fedsfeedfamilies.gov.

VHMC workers tops in food drive

SPOKANE VALLEY – Valley Hospital and Medical Center recently joined with Spokane Valley Partners Food Bank for a summer food drive competition between departments in the hospital.

During June and July, hospital employees donated food or cash for those in need. The drive resulted in 1,580 pounds of nonperishable items for the food bank.

The hospital’s admitting/PBX department was named the winner, with the highest average number of donated items per employee.

The need has increased during the summer months, especially for children, as many do not have access to free or reduced-price school meals for breakfast and lunch.