With the holiday season behind us, gift giving is no longer the first thing on most peoples' minds. Unfortunately that means fewer donated items on the shelves of food banks this time of year.

Thanks to the Park West Skilled Nursing Center, 1703 California Ave., and Swedish Physicians-West Seattle Clinic, 3400 California Ave., a collection of food and money has been donated to the West Seattle Food Bank.

"We wanted to help replenish the West Seattle Food Bank after the holidays," said Park West administrator Brett Ottley. "We asked Swedish Physicians to participate in a food drive and promised to match what was collected from both locations."

An empty box was placed at each facility, and employees, patients, and families donated mostly canned items. All told, 430 food items were donated so Ottley raced out to Costco and purchased another 430 items to match. Together the facilities donated another $350.

"We want to make this an annual event," he added.

"We encourage other businesses in our community to do their own similar drives," said Park West community relations director Nancy Ranker.

"We're seeing a lot more people losing their job, and may be needing help at the Food Bank," observed pediatrician Dr. Thomas Erdmann, with Swedish Clinic who presented its food and and money.

"This is fantastic," said West Seattle Food Bank operations manager Jack Wagstaff. "This time of year donations are really slow." He said the food bank serves 3000 families per month, a 20 percent increase over last year, and a 40 percent increase with families who have children.

"Baby food and diapers, those prices are through the roof," added Wagstaff. "These supplies are almost impossible to keep up with."

To donate, contact www.westseattlefoodbank.org.