WPD Holiday Program Needed Now

WPD NEWS:

Holiday Program Needed Now

As the pandemic-related need for food and supplies grew in the community, WPD re-imagined their holiday Fill-A-Cruiser program to collect, distribute and deliver these much-needed resources. In partnership with local grocery chains Walmart, Marcs and Kroger, WPD officers helped fill cruisers this June with supplies for the Westerville-Area Resource Ministry (WARM) to distribute to residents-in-need.

Westerville Council Chairman Mike Heyeck, who also serves on the WARM Board of Directors, said the need is now.

“We’ve seen more than a 300-percent increase in the need for food and other assistance programs at WARM alone because of impact of COVID-19,” said Heyeck. “This program has been incredibly helpful during the holiday season for many years, and I’m appreciative that WPD thought to connect this program to the need right now.”

With cruisers at each of these locations, WPD collected more than 1,697 pounds of perishables and pantry items to help sustain the community and the organizations that support local families.

Chief Charles Chandler says Fill-A-Cruiser has been a popular way for the community to connect when the need arises.

“We feel compelled to support the community beyond what we do day in and out in public safety,” said Chief Chandler. “Our service does not stop at law enforcement alone. We want people who are facing challenges right now to know WPD is there for them and we care.”

Fill-A-Cruiser is expected to return for the holiday season, but may also turn up again this summer and fall.

“We’re here for the long-haul when it comes to the recovery from this pandemic,” said Chief Chandler. “We want to be a steady show of support until everyone who needs help has been seen.”

2020 WPD Fill-A-Cruiser Event collected

NON-PERISHABLES & PANTRY ITEMS

1,697 POUNDS $189 IN DONATIONS

Do you need help?

Contact one of these local organizations to find out more.

WARM warmwesterville.org

NEIGHBORHOOD BRIDGES neighborhoodbridges.org