The Clark County Food Bank benefited from bags being mailed to Clark County residents for the first time to collect food as the organization received more than 265,000 pounds of food and toiletries donated during the annual Walk & Knock food drive Dec. 2.
Residents donated 265,387 pounds of food and toiletries, as well as over $16,000 to the organization in 2023.
“It was heartening to see all those red and brown Walk & Knock bags returned full of food to help the needy in our county,” said Walk & Knock President Tom Knappenberger in a news release. “From Ridgefield to Battle Ground, Camas/Washougal and all across Vancouver, people opened their hearts and pantries.”
For the first time in its 39-year history, Walk & Knock, the nation’s largest local one-day food drive, mailed bags to more than 153,000 homes throughout Clark County. While donors may use any clearly marked bag or box, Knappenberger said in the release that the Walk & Knock bags were a great advertisement.
“I think people here are very generous, but it doesn’t hurt to make it easy for them to remember to donate,” Knappenberger added.
All food and cash donations go directly to food banks, the release stated. Walk & Knock operating expenses are paid for by local sponsors and civic clubs.
Knappenberger said donations may still be made via PayPal through the group’s website, walkandknock.org, or by check to P.O. Box 353, Vancouver, WA, 98666.
Together, the food and financial donations will provide more than 284,271 meals, enough to feed a family of four three meals a day for 65 years.
Powered by local service clubs and volunteers, Walk & Knock has partnered with the Clark County Food Bank since 1985.
“In 39 years, we have collected more than 9.51 million pounds of food valued at $17.3 million,” stated the release.
Walk & Knock is an all-volunteer organization made up of area Lions, Kiwanis, Rotary, the Clark County Amateur Radio Club, local trucking companies, area Boy and Girl Scout troops, local church and school groups, along with hundreds of other volunteers.
