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Monday, August 25, 2025 at 12:35 PM

First responder holiday competition nets 27,000 lbs. of food

Some community members giving back
First responder holiday competition nets 27,000 lbs. of food
The Fallon/Churchill Fire Department receiving their trophy this year

Author: Photos provided by Beth Riley

Last Sunday local first responders collected 27,260 pounds of food for needy families in the 5th Annual First Responder Holiday Food Competition. Organized by Beth Riley, the food drive this year came in nearly 8,000 pounds ahead of the total 19,540 pounds collected last year. The food drive has provided 73,000 pounds of food to Northern Nevada food banks over the past five years.   

The day begins with participating agencies; the Fallon Police Department, Fallon/Churchill Fire Department, Search and Rescue, the Churchill County Sheriff’s office, Banner Churchill Community Hospital EMS, and the Fallon Shoshone Tribal Police Department meeting at the Golden Gate Gas Station scales for the weigh in at 10:00 a.m. Each agency brings whatever exciting vehicle will catch people’s attention, and when the weigh in is complete, everyone caravans over to Walmart with sirens blaring and lights flashing.  

Once again, the Fallon/Churchill Fire Department was victorious, gathering 9,180 pounds of food for the win, ahead of the Fallon Police Department with 8,080 pounds, the Sheriff’s Office with 4,120, Banner Ambulance crew with 2,640 pounds, Search and Rescue gathered 2,260 pounds, and Nevada Highway Patrol with 980 pounds.  

At the end of day, after the weigh ins, each of the agencies travels over to the Out of Egypt food pantry building, backing into the big garage doors where community volunteers help unload the food. According to the food pantry volunteers, the food collected allows the food pantry to feed needy community members for up to six months. 



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Comment author: Lola BoretzComment text: Does anyone have a phone number, opening date and hours for Desert Embers?Comment publication date: 8/25/25, 8:43 AMComment source: Fallon Tribe Breaks Ground for New DispensaryComment author: Gary T SpargoComment text: Knew Jim in Douglas, Ariz in 1967, when I was in high school. He worked with my dad on a range improvement project on our ranch. Funny, enjoyable to be around & work with. Always meant to look him up & spend more time with him. Sad to have missed him. [email protected]Comment publication date: 8/21/25, 8:29 PMComment source: Obituary -- James Monroe Champie, Jr.Comment author: Karla JensenComment text: My sister, Christine, was one of those rare people who was beautiful in every sense of the word. My thoughts are with her partner, David, who was such a source of comfort and strength for her, and with her longtime friend, Mary, who continued to bring joy into Christine's life to the very end.Comment publication date: 8/20/25, 1:15 PMComment source: Obituary - Christine Brooke Jensen July 1, 1946-August 8, 2025Comment author: Karla JensenComment text: My sister, Christine, was one of those rare people who was beautiful in every sense of the word. Even though she was quiet, she still had a knack for making everyone feel seen and heard. Her kindness to me was heartfelt. I'll always remember her passion for rehoming cats and her deep love for arts and crafts. It was a joy to hear her talk about her latest mosaic or stained glass project. My thoughts are with her partner, David, who was such a source of comfort and strength for her, and with her longtime friend, Mary, who continued to bring joy into Christine's life to the very end.Comment publication date: 8/20/25, 12:48 PMComment source: Obituary - Christine Brooke Jensen July 1, 1946-August 8, 2025
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