Federal Way brims with service clubs eager to make this city a better place.

The Lions raise money for eyeglasses. Kiwanis help schools and children. FUSION benefits homeless women and children. Rotary also places a premium on community service. Soroptimist International empowers women and girls through volunteering. The Multi-Service Center, whose calling card is its food bank, covers a gamut of aid that guides people toward self-sufficiency.

The list goes on, but that sampling of Federal Way service organizations attracts a few hundred citizens who are eager to help.

Individually, each service club covers a niche in the Federal Way area. But suppose Federal Way’s service clubs combined forces for one project, with an “all for one and one for all” mentality. One club alone can create a ripple of hope in the community, but all clubs working together can create a mighty current of optimism.

One opportunity comes to mind: The annual Mayor’s Day of Concern for the Hungry food drive.

Last September, the food drive collected about 74,000 pounds of food and more than $5,000 in cash donations. Proceeds, which stocked the Multi-Service Center’s food bank, were expected to last about six weeks.

In 2009, food banks face even higher demand from families who struggle in this economy.

Federal Way Mayor Jack Dovey challenges residents to step up and volunteer. Here’s the chance to answer that call. In six months, Federal Way’s service clubs, schools, churches and individuals can transform this established food drive into an endeavor that leaves permanent footprints.

The Mirror challenges Federal Way, along with all service clubs and volunteers, to unite for this year’s Mayor’s Day of Concern for the Hungry. Let’s seize this opportunity to shape Federal Way and make an impression that lasts.