Las Vegas – On Saturday, a coalition of Southwest Gas employees, their families and volunteers from the Vegas Golden Knights came together at the Three Square Food Bank to combat food insecurity in Southern Nevada. The effort resulted in 1,475 packed bags, totaling 16,400 pounds of fresh produce, groceries and ready‑to‑eat meals for families in need.
Community partners unite
More than 100 volunteers arrived early, greeted by the Golden Knights’ mascot, Chance, and members of the Vegas Vivas. Over the course of the day, participants sorted donated items, packed fresh fruits and vegetables, and organized backpack meals designed for quick distribution to households struggling to put food on the table.
Southwest Gas’ BLUE program in action
The event was part of Southwest Gas’ BLUE (Building Lives Up Everywhere) initiative, which encourages staff to donate time and resources to local nonprofits. Since 2016, the Southwest Gas Foundation has contributed over $90,000 to Three Square Food Bank, reinforcing a long‑standing partnership aimed at ending hunger across Clark, Lincoln, Nye and Esmeralda counties.
Three Square’s impact
Beth Martino, president and CEO of Three Square Food Bank, praised the collaboration: “Southwest Gas and the Southwest Gas Foundation have been long‑standing partners in our mission to end hunger in Southern Nevada. We are grateful to Southwest Gas and the Vegas Golden Knights for coming together in service and their shared commitment to pursuing a hunger‑free community.”
Three Square Food Bank serves hundreds of thousands of Nevadans each month, distributing food through a network of pantries, shelters and schools. The recent food‑packing drive adds a critical boost to those efforts, especially as many families continue to face rising costs of living.
Why local volunteerism matters
Volunteer events like this illustrate how businesses, sports franchises and nonprofit organizations can combine resources to address pressing community needs. By leveraging the visibility of the Golden Knights and the corporate commitment of Southwest Gas, the initiative not only supplies meals but also raises awareness about the ongoing challenge of hunger in the region.
Residents who wish to support Three Square Food Bank can donate food, monetary contributions or volunteer time throughout the year. More information about the organization’s programs and upcoming events is available at threesquare.org.
Original reporting: News 3 KSNV Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.