Local dentist, Dr. Spencer Jilek, (JilekDDS.com) and his staff worked together creatively to give back to their community by sponsoring a food drive for the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank in Pasco.

Patients donated shelf-stable foods in order to help their neighbors and at the same time have a chance at winning a one-year dental insurance plan, donated by the dental office.

In representing Dr. Jilek and his staff, dental assistant, Shannon and Dr. Joe Sullivan presented the food bank with about 500 pounds of shelf-stable food and a check to Sina Pierret, President of St. Vincent de Paul, for the purchase of additional food to help families through the cold winter.  It is only because of the combined efforts of businesses like this and citizens in the community that make it possible for us to distribute boxes of nutritious food to struggling families.

The need throughout the winter months will remain high as the month of October brought 299 new families to St. Vincent de Paul food bank requesting assistance. That is a 32% increase in number of new families over the previous year.  An average of 655 families sought food assistance each week throughout the past year. With winter approaching and less fresh produce available from our generous farmers, more shelf-stable food will be needed and Dr. Jilek, his clients, and office staff have certainly done their part to help. Our volunteers are most appreciative!