A police officer collects food at a past Fill-A-Cruiser event. (News-Herald file)
This weekend, a patrol car from the Willowick Police Department will be in the parking lot of the Pie Cafe to collect donations for the St. Mary Magdalene Food Bank.
The “Fill-a-Cruiser” drive will take place June 8 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 31715 Vine St. All non-perishable food items, toiletries, paper products and monetary donations will go to the food bank.
Willowick Mayor Michael Vanni said last year the campaign took place at the end of the year.
“They did this earlier this year and Pie Cafe decided to work with the police department to get this done,” he said.
Similar activities have become commonplace across Lake County: In 2022, the Willoughby Police Department held its first Stuff-A-Cruiser event, collecting new toys and food for local families and children.
Donations raised were distributed to the McKinley Community Outreach Center and the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.
“We had a great turnout,” Police Chief Jim Schultz previously told The News-Herald. “It was great to have so many great people stop by. Their help led to lots of toys, non-perishable food and cash donations.”
Last year, Mentor police officers and their police cars lined up in front of the city’s Giant Eagle store to rally support for two local food pantries.
Two patrol cars were loaded with food as part of the 10th annual “Cruiser Filled Food Drive,” raising $2,067.99, according to a Facebook post from the department.
Also in 2023, the Willoughby Hills Police Department hosted their third annual Fill-a-Cruiser Food Drive at the Shops of Willoughby Hills Plaza. All non-perishable food items were collected and donated to the St. Noel Food Pantry.
Since 2021, Willoughby Hills officers have collected more than 2,300 pounds of food for the food pantry.
