Capital Medical Center launches first annual food, toy drive

Capital Medical Center will begin collecting donations for the Thurston County Food Bank and Toys for Tots Thurston County as part of its first annual food and toy drive.

The drive begins Monday and continues through Dec. 21. Food and toys can be dropped off in the main and registration lobbies of Capital Medical Center at 3900 Capital Mall Drive S.W.

Capital Medical Center also will team up with Olympia Orthopaedic Associates -- encouraging their employees and patients to donate -- to see who can compile the most donations. The winner will be announced Dec. 28. As part of the competition, the losing chief executive -- either Jim Geist at Capital Medical Center or Troy Green at Olympia Orthopaedic -- will have to wear the logo of the winning team all day.

Thurston County Food Bank needs the following food items:

Canned protein, canned fruit, beans, canned vegetables, chili, boxed cereal, Mac & Cheese, canned soups, peanut butter, oatmeal or Cream of Wheat packets, granola bars, cup of noodles/Top Ramen, ravioli, packets of beef jerky, small boxes of raisins, cranberries, or other dried fruits; juice boxes (real fruit juice only), pudding cups, fruit leather, Cheese & Crackers, cocoa packets, pasta, baby food and formula.