Food banks face extra pressure keeping their shelves stocked this time of year. Tomorrow, auxiliary officers with the OPP and Timmins Police make their annual contribution by accepting donations of non-perishable food and cash outside five grocery stores.
The event is called “Cram a Cruiser”. City police communications coordinator Marc Depatie says the aim is to cram a cruiser full of donations at each store.
“Last year, we collected 48-hundred pounds worth of non-perishable food items and 32-hundred dollars in cash. We’re hopeful to at least match that achievement this year.”
The groceries and money will go to four food banks, remarks Depatie. “That being the Timmins Food Bank, the Porcupine Food Bank, Project Love and the First Baptist Church on Second Avenue.”
The auxiliary officers will be stationed at the stores between 10:00am and 4:00pm.. Depatie says the annual event is also a good way of demonstrating that police officers are part of the community, too.
“Absolutely. We like to think that we interact with the public on an ongoing basis that is mutually beneficial for everyone involved.”