Nikole Babb
nbabb@cherryroad.com

On Saturday, September 13, the Andover Police Department set up patrol vehicles outside of Dillons Marketplace to collect food donations for the Andover Community Food Bank. In doing so, they raised a ton of food – literally.

This year was the 11th year of the food drive, bringing in pounds and pounds of food each year for the Andover Community Food Bank. The local food bank is organized and run by the Andover United Methodist Church with the intention of providing food assistance to Andover residents in a caring and respecting manner, according to their website.

Residents are able to collect pre-packaged bags of groceries from the food bank or choose items on their own accord, which include non-perishable food items as well as frozen meat, bread, hygiene items and desserts when available.

During the day’s food drive, the Andover Police Department was able to collect donations from the community that totaled 2,100 lbs of food items and laundry detergent as well as $547 in cash donations.

Those who couldn’t make the drive can bring donations to the police department for the next two weeks. Once gathered, officers will deliver the grocery items to the food bank. Donations can be dropped off at the Andover Police Department located at 909 N Andover Rd.