[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 64 (Thursday, April 30, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E628]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF TORKLIFT CENTRAL

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                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 30, 2015

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and recognize 
Torklift Central from Kent, Washington, for their dedication to the 
community as demonstrated through their annual Turkey Challenge.
  In 2011, with the economy in the depths of the recession and many 
families struggling as a result, the Kent Food Bank unexpectedly lost 
the majority of its funding with the holiday season just around the 
corner. This left many households in the area scrambling to find ways 
to feed their families. Fortunately, Torklift Central--a family-owned 
company based in Kent--stepped up to meet the needs of the community by 
forming the Turkey Challenge. The Challenge, which is heading into its 
fifth year this winter, pits local businesses against each other in a 
friendly competition to see who can collect the greatest amount of 
canned food items and cash donations for the food bank. One hundred 
percent of the proceeds go to providing Thanksgiving meals for 
residents and families who visit the Kent food bank during the holiday.
  Every year, donations for the Turkey Challenge have grown in both the 
number of cans and monetary donations received. The goal for 2014 was 
4,000 pounds of food and $17,000, an ambitious goal that would have 
nearly doubled what they collected in the previous year. Participating 
companies far exceeded those goals, bringing in 10,820 pounds of canned 
food and $22,418 in donations. Altogether, the Turkey Challenge has 
raised $56,560 and collected 16,804 pounds of food.
  Without the continued dedication of Torklift Central to the Kent Food 
Bank, many families in our community would go without a Thanksgiving 
meal and food throughout the year. No longer does the food bank have to 
turn away families on this special day and at other times during the 
year due to lack of supplies. Because of Torklift Central's outstanding 
initiative and contributions, the community can give less fortunate 
families a memorable Thanksgiving.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize Torklift 
Central. Their service to our community is an inspiration to all 
organizations across the State of Washington.

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