PORT ANGELES — Supporters of the 16th annual Tuna Drive for local food banks were hoping their can-do attitudes and fishy costumes would help the group reach its goal of 14,000 cans.
Although all of the cans had not been counted on Monday — bins are still scattered at grocery stores throughout the area — by early afternoon the group had collected about 13,600, said Tim Crowley, Tuna Drive chairman.
Crowley and Josie Gilbeck, executive director of the Port Angeles Food Bank, sported tuna-can costumes at The Gateway for the final day of the drive on Monday.
Crowley topped his off with a yellow rain hat and fishing net.
“It is really great because people can stop and toss a couple in his net and be gone,” Gilbeck said.
She said in addition to the cans collected, the exposure is just as good.
“This is a way to raise awareness,” she said.
“We have to think out of the box — or out of the can as it were — during these economic times.”
Tuna appetizers
The group served up tuna hors d’oeuvres and talked about food bank needs.
“We have about 700 families that come regularly, and we send tuna home with each and every one of them,” she said.
“Tuna is such a versatile protein that it is perfect for families.”
Gilbeck said in addition to collecting food for the Port Angeles Food Bank, other areas were benefiting, too.
“OlyCAP [Olympic Community Action Programs] brought us by a load of cans, and then they took another to the Port Townsend Food Bank, so everyone is benefiting,” she said.
“We really want people to help however they can.”
Cans will continue to be accepted even though the official drive is over, Gilbeck said.
For more information on the drive, phone Crowley at 360-452-4410 or 360-457-5933.
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Reporter Paige Dickerson can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at paige.dickerson@peninsuladailynews.com.