The Kutztown Borough Police Department is inviting residents to help support local families in need through its annual “Fill the Cruiser Challenge” food drive on Saturday, November 14.
The community initiative encourages residents, businesses, and organizations to donate nonperishable food items to help stock local food banks ahead of the holiday season. Building on last year’s participation, the department hopes to collect even more donations to assist families experiencing food insecurity throughout the Kutztown area.
Officers will be stationed at two grocery stores throughout the day, collecting donations and encouraging shoppers to help fill a police cruiser with food.
Donations will be accepted at the following locations and times:
- Weis Markets (Kutztown Road): 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Giant Food Stores (Kutztown): 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
“Our officers see firsthand how much need there is in our community, particularly during the holiday season,” said Kutztown Police Chief Paul M. Clery. “This event is an opportunity for our residents to come together and support the local food banks that work so hard to help families throughout the year.”
The department is requesting donations of canned fruits and vegetables, soups, pasta, rice, cereal, peanut butter, boxed meals, and other nonperishable food items.
For those unable to attend Saturday’s event, donations can also be dropped off at the Kutztown Borough Police Department, located at 45 Railroad Street, through Friday, November 13, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
All collected food will be distributed to local food banks, including Friend Inc. Community Services, to help families throughout the area.
The department thanked Weis Markets and Giant Food Stores for providing collection locations and supporting the annual effort.
Residents are encouraged to stop by, meet local officers, and contribute whatever they can, whether a single canned good or an entire bag of groceries, to help fill the cruiser and support neighbors in need.
