Westport Police To Host Thanksgiving Food Drive

WESTPORT, CT — The Westport Police Department will host a Thanksgiving food drive Saturday, in conjunction with TEAM Westport and Stop & Shop.

In a news release, Police Lt. Dave Wolf said all donations will directly support Homes with Hope, the Gillespie Center and the Westport food pantry, as well as Westport Human Services.

Westport Human Services collaborates with the Gillespie Center to offer support for residents dealing with food insecurity. The center also provides food services to the resident clients, those at risk of homelessness, and those in need in the community.

Wolf said the police department asks for residents' support and generosity to help make this food drive a success.

Homes with Hope is a Westport based organization dedicated to ending homelessness and providing independent living opportunities for its clients in Fairfield County. The Gillespie Center is a shelter for single men and women that typically operates at 100 percent capacity. Your donations will help provide a meal to the resident clients during the holiday.

Westport police officers and volunteers will accept non-perishable food items, as well as cash donations in front of the Stop & Shop store located at 1790 Post Road East in Westport on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Suggested donated items are: Canned Meats, Tuna, Salmon, Spam, Canned Cranberries, Boxed Stuffing, Canned Yams, Canned Corn, Canned Gravy, Pasta, Pasta Sauces, Chili, Hot/Cold Cereal, Canned Fruit, Canned & Dry Soups, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Mac & Cheese, Rice, Granola Bars, Pancake Mix, Syrup, Mayonnaise, etc.

Further information about Homes with Hope can be found at www.hwhct.org. Homes with Hope maintains an IRS 501-c3 and all contributions are tax deductible, Wolf said.

"We would like to thank, in advance, all of our generous donors," Wolf said in a news release, "as well as Stop & Shop. We look forward to seeing everyone at Stop & Shop!"

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2021, about 42 million Americans may not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.