TACOMA , Wash. -- Vandals have hit a food bank in east Tacoma again. Eloise's Cooking Pot Food Bank on the 3500 block of E. McKinley Avenue in Tacoma has only been around for two years, but continues to be the target of attacks.
The front of the store is boarded up after vandals threw a huge rock at the front window, which is supposed to be shatter proof. Also, vandals punched a hole in the glass door. Over the weekend, someone threw a brick with an intimidating message and the staff fears the attacks are escalating.
One of the worst attacks was on Easter. Someone spray-painted profanity on the food bank's delivery truck, targeting the coordinator, Ahndrea Blue, who helped start and runs Eloise's food bank. The vandals even disabled their delivery trucks by stealing the truck's battery and cutting wires.
It's been a long year. My heart is about doing something good for people and that's all I want to do. We're not getting anything from this. It's costing a lot every month but we're committed to feeding these people, said Blue.
Staff said the repairs were expensive, taking money away from the 1,500 people they serve a week. And they don't believe the attacks are random.
I think it's some local people. They just simply don't want Ahndrea here or the food bank, said Don Riggs, a volunteer. My message to them is we're not leaving.
Another intimidation factor: some people ride their motorcycles on the sidewalk to scare off people waiting in line for food.
Tacoma police are now involved and investigating the vandalism as a serious crime. And the food bank is working with Crimestoppers and police to come up with a reward for information and the arrest of those behind the attacks.
The food bank says there have been some positive things that have come out of this ordeal. A large outpouring of support has come from the community, with people volunteering to help with repairs and donations. Someone also donated surveillance cameras to the food bank.
