Mentor Police will be hosting their second annual Fill-a-Cruiser Food Drive on Sunday, November 23, 2014 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Giant Eagle located at 7960 Plaza Boulevard in Mentor.
Donated food is distributed to food pantries to benefit families within the City of Mentor. Money collected is used to support Mentor’s Kops-N-Kids program.
Last year, generous shoppers helped fill two police cruisers and donated over $800.00 in just four hours.
“We felt it was a nice way to give back to the community,” says Detective Steve Ondercin. “Last year, we held it right before Christmas. This year we wanted to host it a little earlier so those in need could enjoy their Thanksgiving as well.”
The Kops-N-Kids program is a volunteer program which started in 1983 which provides holiday gifts for kids in need. The program accepts outside donations and holds annual golf outing to raise the funds for the program. Families are identified with the help of the Mentor School System, Mentor’s Victim’s Assistance program and police officers themselves.
In addition to the funds raised by the program, several local businesses including the Longo Family, Chick-fil-A and Best Buy donate their time and services.
“The program has been in place for over 30 years. We’re really proud of the effect it’s had on needy families in our community,” says Police Chief Kevin Knight.