For over 30 years, 37 to be exact, the Forks Lions Club has arranged for two loads of logs to be hauled from the Olympic Peninsula to the east side of Washington in Quincy. In exchange for the wood, the Quincy Lions Club provides the Forks Lions with produce that is distributed to food banks located in the surrounding Forks area. This yearly occurrence was originally orchestrated by long-time Forks Lion Emmett Treichel.

The community recently lost Emmett, however, and the Forks Lions are determined to carry on his legacy through this project.

Last Friday afternoon the donated logs were unloaded in a vacant lot in downtown Quincy. Beginning Saturday morning both clubs meet and cut the logs into firewood. The Quincy Lions are able to use the wood as a fundraiser to support community events that they sponsor. The remainder of the wood is given to elderly and disabled community members in need.

In trade for the firewood, the Forks club members drive to a warehouse where their trucks and trailers are loaded with locally grown produce. The produce consists of apples, beans, carrots, onions, and potatoes.

The overwhelming amount of goods brought back to Forks are dispersed to food banks all over the West End. This takes place every year at either the end of October or beginning of November, giving the food banks much-needed help in time for the holidays.

The communities of Quincy and the West End benefit greatly from this yearly exchange.

None of this would have been possible if not for some of our local businesses within the timber industry.

This year the Forks Lions would like to thank the following for their generous donations, time and effort in making such a big undertaking into another success. Thank You to Green Crow, who donated an entire load of logs, which was logged and loaded by Forks Fiber Inc. and hauled by David Crippen Sr. of David Crippen Trucking. A second load was donated by Merrill &Ring, loaded by B &D Inc., and hauled by Lance White of Barry Swanson Trucking. It is immensely appreciated by both Lions clubs and their local residents.