Food-bank donations pour in after theft in Rainier Valley

In the two days since burglars stole up to $2,000 worth of food from the Rainier Valley Food Bank, at least $100,000 worth of new donations rolled in.

"The depth of generosity and compassion that we've seen in the last 48 hours is unlike anything I've ever seen in my life," said Sam Osborne, executive director of the food bank. "It's been an absolutely incredible response."

During extended donation hours on Thursday and Friday, several people walked through the door with $1,000 and $500 checks in hand, Osborne said. Others gave cash. In all, about $70,000 worth of money and $30,000 in food was donated.

"These two little tiny tots came in with their mom, and she explained that when they heard this story on the radio, they demanded that they empty out their piggy banks and take the entire contents down to the food bank to donate it," he recalled. "They couldn't have been more than 4 years old."

Several local organizations also stepped up to fill the need left by Wednesday's burglary, just in time for today's Thanksgiving food distribution.

When Wal-Mart management heard about the situation, they pulled together a semitruck full of food, worth at least $10,000, which will reach the food bank at 6:30 a.m. today.

"We felt like we were in a situation where we could step up and help out, and that's exactly what we did," said Karianne Fallow, spokeswoman for Wal-Mart Northwest. "We'd certainly like to see those in need get the meals that they come to get."

United Way of King County decided to send all proceeds raised on Thursday, the last day of their 10-day "Give 10, Tell 10" campaign, to the food bank. They also matched the funds given, for a total donation of $7,152.

Tutta Bella restaurant, which has partnered with the food bank in the past, is hosting an emergency food drive. People can drop off donations during restaurant hours — from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. — at the Columbia City location, 4918 Rainier Ave. S. All donors will receive a coupon for a free espresso, good at any Tutta Bella location.

Donations already have filled several 20- and 30-gallon tubs.

PCC worked with its suppliers to buy food at wholesale cost, and it delivered more than $1,000 worth of produce to the food bank at 10:30 a.m. Friday.

"It seemed heartbreaking that those families would be robbed of Thanksgiving because of these burglars," said Tom Manahan, the marketing manager for PCC. "[This donation] helps with a big need there for sure on their end."

Much of the food will be given away this weekend, though many nonperishable stock items will be kept in reserve, Osborne said. Some of the money left over will go toward expanding the food bank's capacity.

Watching the donations pour in, Osborne said, has been deeply moving.

"I will never doubt the innate goodness and compassion of the human being ever again," he said.

Molly Rosbach: 206-464-2311 or mrosbach@seattletimes.com