The Puget Sound Energy Foundation has helped to install high-capacity generators at two locations that are preparing for disaster relief in Western Washington. Bellevue Presbyterian Church received a $50,000 grant and Food Lifeline in Seattle received a $200,000 grant toward the purchase of the emergency generators.

With a shelter fully equipped with food, beds, a full kitchen and a radio room, Bellevue Presbyterian Church is committed to help the Eastside community in the event of a natural disaster. The church is equipped with beds, enough food to serve 12,000 meals, and a water filtration system in case they need to utilize water from a nearby stream.

The foundation saw the importance in making sure Bel Pres could keep their lights on as they are assisting hundreds of people.

“PSE Foundation believes preparing our communities is vitally important, so it was intentional to select organizations committed to provide disaster relief,” said PSE Vice President of Customer Operations and Communications Andy Wappler.

Bellevue Mayor Bob Stokes and King County Executive Dow Constantine were also present to praise the work of Bellevue Presbyterian Church.

Considered a food bank for the region’s food banks, Food Lifeline will be a major resource in getting food to organizations around the state.

The generators, which are custom-built according to each community’s needs, are able to power larger facilities. This will allow them to be used during a variety of emergency situations, such as after an earthquake. PSE has awarded generators to nonprofit organizations in their service area to help those in vulnerable situations.

Other area organizations who received generators this year were Bremerton Salvation Army in Kitsap County, Chapel Hill Church in Gig Harbor, Island Church on Bainbridge and Bellingham food bank and distribution center in Whatcom County.