LAUGHLIN -– Every September, for the past eight years, Aquarius Casino Resort team members have collected and donated non-perishable food items to benefit local families and children who struggle with hunger every day.

This worthy philanthropic tradition and friendly competition between Aquarius departments for the entire month of September continues to inspire team members to give back to their community and to feel great about giving to those who are less fortunate.

“Our team members continue to unselfishly step up to make sure the families in our community are taken care of during the holidays and throughout the year. I couldn’t be more proud of them for their efforts,” said Aquarius Casino Resort General Manager Sean Hammond.

Aquarius team members collected a total of 20,953 non-perishable food items, such as canned soup, boxed cereal and more, weighing a total of 8,214 pounds. Food items were then donated to Laughlin Jr./Sr. High School in Laughlin; Colorado River Food Bank in Laughlin; and Praise Chapel in Bullhead City.

“The Colorado River Food Bank is extremely grateful for the continuous generosity shown by the Aquarius Casino Resort and it’s team members,” said Sueann Bishop, Colorado River Food Bank Representative.

Aquarius’ Food and Beverage department took first place for the first time by collecting 5,063 items. The Casino Operations department took second place with 4,995 items; Hotel Operations took third place with 4,009 items; fourth place was General and Administrative with 3,840 items and Marketing collected 3,046 items, which put them fifth place in the competition.

“The Aquarius showed such generosity by providing us an overwhelming amount of food for our students. The kids will really appreciate the thought put into the items selected. Without the help of our community, many students would not have the food to help them over the weekends,” said Summer Sattler, Laughlin Jr./Sr. High School First Aide Safety Assistant.

PHOTO CAPTION: Aquarius team members collected 20,953 non-perishable food items during their annual September Food Drive which were donated to William Bennett Elementary School, Colorado River Food Bank and Praise Chapel. Contributed/THE BEE