Hopelink launches food, fund drive

Eastside

Hopelink's annual "End Summer Hunger" fund and food drive begins in April, with the proceeds going to stock the nonprofit organization's six food banks for the high-demand summer months.

When school is out for the summer, more than 11,000 children in north and East King County who receive free and reduced-cost school meals may not get enough to eat. Families with two working parents must also find ways to pay for summer day care, further straining the family budget.

In 2006, the "End Summer Hunger" campaign raised more than $115,000 in monetary and food donations.

The grass-roots campaign begins Sunday and ends July 1, and is seeking the support of businesses, schools and organizations.

Schools that support the program encourage children in classrooms to collect coins, while businesses and organizations hold food or fund drives. Individuals can donate cash through Hopelink's Web site at www.hope-link.org.

For more information, contact Ben Martinka at 425-869-6000 or e-mail: benm@hope-link.org.

Bellevue

Hazard inspections planned in Medina

Bellevue Fire Department firefighters and emergency workers from Station 5 will do a series of routine hazard inspections in the Medina area beginning Sunday and continuing through Oct. 1.

The hazard analysis will be conducted because of the unique terrain and characteristics of the area, said Capt. Laura Kemp.

Station 5 members will travel roads and look at the access to private drives to determine the best way to prepare for emergencies. Activities will range from a simple walk-through of an address to deploying supply lines and a fire hose.

The department expects to take all possible measures to avoid blocking access or disrupting the normal routines of residents, added Kemp, and staff members will attempt to contact homeowners if the drills will affect a particular residence.

Information is available from Kemp at 425-452-4305 or by e-mail at lkemp@bellevuewa.gov.

Seattle Times Eastside bureau