SEQUIM — The Sequim Food Bank has received a boost in its security system from Security Services Northwest Inc. following a series of burglaries, attempted burglaries and damage to its delivery vehicle.
The Sequim-based business last week installed a security camera and alarm system representing a donation of about $5,500 in materials, plus the labor from SSNW technicians Sal D’Amico and Sevi Kovach, company officials said.
“This is going to be such a big improvement, and we are so grateful,” said Stephen Rosales, food bank board president.
Rosales is one of about 50 volunteers who help at the food bank at 144 W. Alder St.
“We want to focus on serving the community instead of worrying about break-ins,” he said. “Now we have some security tools to work with.”
A rash of burglaries, attempted burglaries and the theft of gasoline from the food bank’s delivery truck started in late September and surged in October.
As recently as February, someone broke into one of the storage sheds and lit a small fire, SSNW representatives said.
The delivery “box” truck has been parked so it is readily visible from Alder Street, they noted, but that has not resolved the security problems.
People siphoned gas from the truck on numerous occasions last fall and when a locking gas cap was installed, the truck’s fuel lines were cut.
A standard “game camera” was set up on the building’s front porch a while ago and did capture images of people taking food that had been left there as a donation.
Any expense not directly connected to the collection or delivery of foodstuffs represents a loss to the all-volunteer association, SSNW representatives said.
Damage to the delivery truck is even more of a problem because it’s used seven days a week.
“We can’t afford to be without that truck,” Rosales said.
Rosales reached out for help from SSNW president and CEO Joe D’Amico, whom he knows has contributed to school projects and other community fundraising efforts.
D’Amico assigned an SSNW crew to install multiple cameras inside and outside three buildings, along with an alarm system on doors and a smoke detector. The alarm system is monitored at SSNW Headquarters, 250 Center Park Way.
“We really appreciate the help and the sense of security,” Rosales said.
“Glad to do it,” D’Amico said of the contribution. “The food bank is such an important part of the community.”
The food bank recently set a non-holiday season record by serving 149 people in one day, and 400 people over four days, Rosales said.
The Sequim Food Bank is open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, and from 9 a.m. to noon Fridays and Saturdays.
To learn how to help or to ask about help, call the food bank at 360-683-1205 or 360-461-6038.
