Firefighters take collections for Mercer Island food bank

On the third day of inclement weather, members of the Mercer Island Local IFF (International Fire Fighters) 1762 bundled up and gathered outside the Mercer Island Albertsons on Wednesday to collect food for the Mercer Island food bank. With a bright red fire truck parked at the store's entrance, the firefighters set up a barrel to collect food and a red helmet on the ground to collect cash donations as shoppers emerged from the store.

By Linda Ball • November 26, 2010 4:56 pm
Firefighter Tom Guttu helps out with the Mercer Island Local IFF food drive in front of the Mercer Island Albertsons store on Nov. 24.
Firefighter Tom Guttu helps out with the Mercer Island Local IFF food drive in front of the Mercer Island Albertsons store on Nov. 24.

On the third day of inclement weather, members of the Mercer Island Local IFF (International Fire Fighters) 1762 bundled up and gathered outside the Mercer Island Albertsons on Wednesday to collect food for the Mercer Island food bank.

With a bright red fire truck parked at the store’s entrance, the firefighters set up a barrel to collect food and a red helmet on the ground to collect cash donations as shoppers emerged from the store.

They collected $505 in cash along with enough food to fill a long-bed pickup.

The firefighters will have another food drive at Albertsons on Dec. 22, also to benefit the Mercer Island food bank.

Have a warm coat that you’ve outgrown? Donate it to the firefighters’ “Coats for Christmas” drive by dropping off warm coats at the station, 3030 78th Ave. S.E., throughout December. They will be donated to the downtown Seattle homeless shelter.