STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-February 1, 2024-Bragging rights were definitely up for grabs during the Food Challenge between Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue (SSFR) and the Steamboat Springs Police Department (SSPD), but when it was all tallied up, LiftUp of Routt County and the entire Yampa Valley came out the big winners!
“This was always about raising awareness and challenging the community to support their friends, neighbors and this valuable resource in our valley – LiftUp,” said Police Chief Mark Beckett. “It was heartbreaking to learn LiftUp ran out of baby food during the holidays; but when asked, the community responded in cases of baby food, formula and other infant items!”
Over the challenge, the two public safety agencies secured 1,814 pounds of food and hygiene items as well as close to $1,500 in donations.
In addition, SSFR worked with Jon Wade and The Steamboat Group (TSG) during December to raise an additional 2,868 pounds of food during TSG’s Double Your Donation drive.
The combined total of all efforts resulted in 4,682 pounds of food and hygiene items finding its way to the food bank and assisting our friends and neighbors.
“Our efforts were focused on the holiday season, but it showed all of us that we need to do more on a more consistent basis,” commented Fire Chief Chuck Cerasoli. “With that in mind, SSFR and SSPD will be conducting food drives through the year that will concentrate on high-demand and seasonal timeframes.”
More than 2,600 people in Routt County go to bed hungry on a daily basis. The need continues to grow as LiftUp served 115% more people in 2023 than during the previous year. You can help anytime throughout the year with a donation (food or monetary) directly to LiftUp. The Food Bank is always looking for canned goods, dental hygiene, feminine products, grains, infant care, personal care items and produce.
Respecting the dignity of every person, LiftUp serves the community by providing resources and assistance to meet basic human needs and strengthen self-sufficiency. Today, LiftUp is comprised of three departments: Food Banks/Community Support Center, Thrift Store, and Donation Center and actively serves 1 in 10 residents across Routt County.
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Contact
Mark Beckett, Police Chief, 970.879.4344 or email
Chuck Cerasoli, Fire Chief, 970.879.7170 or email
Michael Lane, Communications Manager, 970.871.8220 or email