Local Casino And Food Bank Gives A Boost For Food Drive

ANN ARBOR (WWJ) - It's a wonderful time of the season as two companies assist in accumulating Thanksgiving food with the food drive.

Lake Trust Credit Union hopes to provide 21,000 pounds of food to area families through its Lake-to-Lake Food Drive on Friday, November 16. This goal is given a big boost with FireKeepers Casino Hotel's donation of 1,000 turkeys after cooperation with the Ann Arbor Food Gatherers.

"In Washtenaw County, 1 in 7 adults and 1 in 6 children struggle with hunger," said Eileen Spring, President/CEO of Food Gatherers."Thanks to the generosity of the folks at Lake Trust Credit Union and FireKeepers Casino, there will be a turkey on the dinner table and food in the pantry for many Washtenaw County families in need this Thanksgiving."

At noon on November 16, FireKeepers and Food Gatherers will visit Lake Trust's Food Drive at its Ann Arbor branch to drop the donation off.

"When you read the statistics, you realize that hunger is a very big problem in our community and in our State," said Keith Koppmeier, Lake Trust Director of Corporate Responsibility. "One of our core values is making a difference. We want to do something that everyone can participate in and know they are making an impact in the communities where they live."

Lake Trust Credit Union will be collecting non-perishable food items at each of its 21 branches to donate to area food banks, to help those in need in the Credit Union's 35 Michigan communities. And with its partnership and this contribution from FireKeepers and Food Gatherers, the Credit Union will be able to make the holidays a little brighter for a lot of families in need this season.

"As we enter the holiday season, we are thankful for the success FireKeepers has enjoyed and take pride in having the opportunity to give back to surrounding communities," stated R. Bruce McKee, CEO of FireKeepers Casino Hotel.  "The food banks we have partnered with do a tremendous job year-round and this extra assistance from FireKeepers and Lake Trust Credit Union will benefit many families during the holiday season."