Bremerton-based KPS Health Plans held its annual month-long food drive to benefit local food banks July 15 through August 15, and the results exceeded expectations. KPS employees contributed 7,215 items, an average of 52 items per employee.

Since the need is greater during the summer months, KPS shifted the annual drive from December to July, and the health insurance carrier created a contest to encourage departments to contribute.

In-demand items at the food banks include boxed cereal, peanut butter and jelly, diapers, wipes, baby food, formula, and any/all non-perishable food items, i.e. cans, jars, bags, or boxes.

The results of the 9-department contest were:

97.1    Business Systems (1,845 total items)
78.1    Medical Services (1,328 total items)
72.3    NCVS (506 total items)
55.9    Enrollment (391 total items)
55.3    Admin Services (608 total items)
51.8    Sales/Marketing (777 total items)
35.6    Government Affairs (356 total items)
29.2    Finance (263 total items)
27.8    Member Services (1,141 total items)

   In its efforts to provide more community-oriented events and services, employees of KPS Health Plans established the Charitable Giving Committee in 2002. The Committee has held several successful fundraisers and food drives throughout the year, including a benefit auction for employees, raising over $2,100.

Shelly Ransom, director of administrative services at KPS and chair of the Charitable Giving Committee, commented “It’s our way of remaining connected to the communities in which we live and serve, in a way that doesn’t increase the insurance premiums paid by our members.”

Numerous organizations benefit from the events including Kitsap United Way, Kitsap March of Dimes Walk-America, YWCA Alive Shelter, Harrison Hospital and the regional Food Banks, Port Orchard, Fish Line in Poulsbo, Belfair, Bremerton and Central Kitsap Food Bank, and others as determined by the Committee.