Eustis Fire Department takes the trophy in food drive challenge

Cindy Peterson
·2 min read
The Eustis Fire Department collected 32,258 pounds of food through goods and monetary donation at the 2nd annual Tri-City Fire Department Food Drive Challenge.
The Eustis Fire Department collected 32,258 pounds of food through goods and monetary donation at the 2nd annual Tri-City Fire Department Food Drive Challenge.

Despite a cold and rainy Saturday morning, local firefighters collected nearly 44,000 pounds of food through goods and monetary donations at the 2nd annual Tri-City Fire Department Food Drive Challenge.

Who won?

Let’s just say that the Eustis Fire Department won’t be passing on that trophy anytime soon. They dominated the competition with 32,258 pounds.

“It was a really fun time working with the rotary and it was just a great way to help the needy in our county,” Eustis Fire Chief Mike Swanson said. “We did a couple challenges to raise the funds and we had great support from our commissioners and chamber. But the community really helped too. People love coming by and seeing the fire station and we hope to make it an even bigger event next year.”

About the food drive: Eustis, Tavares and Mount Dora fire departments hosting food drive competition

Last year's results: Firefighter food drive challenge brings in 11,000 pounds of food

'Still in the midst of a disaster': Central Florida food pantries seek support as pandemic continues

The Mount Dora Fire Department came in second with 7,211 pounds of food and Tavares Fire Department in third with 4,127 pounds, plus a pending donation.

The Mount Dora Fire Department collected 7,211 pounds of food through goods and monetary donation at the 2nd annual Tri-City Fire Department Food Drive Challenge.
The Mount Dora Fire Department collected 7,211 pounds of food through goods and monetary donation at the 2nd annual Tri-City Fire Department Food Drive Challenge.

“Wow, incredible numbers,” Tavares Fire Chief Richard Keith said. “What a difference a year made. Apparently, Lake really does care. Many thanks to the Rotary Club for putting this donation drive together and to the club member volunteers who worked the three donation sites. Tavares Fire is honored to be a part of this event, and we are looking forward to next year.”

However, as organizer James Dickerson of the Golden Triangle Rotary Club says, the real winner is Lake Cares Food Pantry.

The Tavares Fire Department collected 4,127 pounds of food through goods and monetary donation at the 2nd annual Tri-City Fire Department Food Drive Challenge.
The Tavares Fire Department collected 4,127 pounds of food through goods and monetary donation at the 2nd annual Tri-City Fire Department Food Drive Challenge.

“Lake Cares is the true winner which will receive all the donations and distribute them to people in need,” Dickerson said. “This time of year is the hardest for the pantry with it being after the holidays and we are happy to be able to help.”

Trailers of food were dropped off at the Lake Cares Food Pantry in Mount Dora the same day, where they will be distributed to those in the community in need.

“Thank you all for participating in this wonderful challenge which brings the Lake County community together for such a worthy cause,” the Lake Cares Facebook page read. “The true winners here are the food insecure individuals and families who will benefit from your participation. Thanks to all involved in this amazing event.”

This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Eustis, Mount Dora, Tavares firefighters collect 44,000 lbs. of food in drive