Oct 11, 2009 12:01 am US/Eastern
Broward Food Bank In Need Of Donations After Fire
LAUDERDALE LAKES, Fla. (CBS4) ―
The Daily Bread Food Bank in Broward County lost around 93,000 pounds of food late Thursday night after a fire tore through the food bank's warehouse.
But on Saturday the organization got some much needed help from community organizers who launched a food drive. Their collective effort brought in 1,000 pounds of food, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported.
The Food Bank is asking for and accepting donations on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to replace the lost items.
If you wish to donate, call
Neighbors 4 Neighbors at 305-597-4404 or call The Food Bank at 1-888-633-9861 or visit their new location at:
2501 SW 32 Terrace
Pembroke Park
They are seeking donations of non-perishable foodstuffs such as canned goods including vegetables, meats and tuna fish as well as protein items, bread, cereal, juice and juice boxes, peanut butter, jelly and personal care items like shampoo, soap, toilet paper and hygiene products.
Firefighters from five different departments (a total of 75 people) responded; several were treated on the scene for exhaustion after having to contend with hazardous equipment and chemicals inside the building. The fire burned hotter than 1,000 degrees.
Investigators have now determined the smoking was the cause of the fire, which began in a construction business. "They discarded smoking material, a cigarette in a garbage can. They thought it was out," explain Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue Spokesman Mike Jachles.
The initial call was received at around 9:15 p.m. Thursday; the fire was contained in two of the large warehouse bays. A total of 12 businesses were located in the warehouse complex, located at 3000 NW 27 St in Lauderdale Lakes.
"It's going to be dumped!" said a frustrated Anthea Pennant of The Daily Bread Food bank. "It is extremely frustrating because there is such a great need in our community."
The Daily Bread Food Bank has relocated to 2501 SW 32 Terrace in Pembroke Park. The agency was planning on relocating the Lauderdale Lakes store to the Pembroke Park location in a few weeks. The Miami-Dade locations are bringing up supplies to the new location to help out the food bank.
CBS4's Ted Scouten and Kim Chapin contributed to this report.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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