Police holds holiday food drive event

Mentor Police continues to help local families in need through its fifth annual Filla-Cruiser Food Drive on Nov. 18.

Detective Steve Ondercin, who organized the event, said it has certainly grown over the years.

“Each year we collect more food and the cash donations have also increased,” he said. “The first year we were able to fill a couple of cars, now we are filling multiple SUVs.”

Last year, shoppers helped fill two police SUVs with non-perishable goods and donated over $1,555.02 bringing the four-year total to $5,269, according to a press release.

Since the program continues to grow, a second location was added.

Police cruisers were filled at Giant Eagle, 7960 Plaza Blvd. and NJP Construction, 9100 Tyler Blvd.

“It is a great way to give back to the community we serve,” Ondercin said.

He said the food collected will be donated to two Mentor food pantries — St. Bede The Venerable Roman Catholic Church and St. Mary of the Assumption.

The proceeds from the monetary donations will benefit Mentor’s Kops-NKids program, which started in 1983 and provides holiday gifts for kids in need.

The objective is to spread a little holiday cheer, said Lieutenant Mike Majernik, who oversees Kops-N-Kids.

He said there are two facets to the program. One is the annual Christmas party that features food, gifts and entertainment. Families are identified with the help of police officers, Mentor Schools and the Mentor’s Victim’s Assistance program. The department also supports Mentor athletic teams.

Ashley Chipps, 30, of Mentor explained to her young daughter the importance of helping others.

“If we needed help, we would want others to help us,” she said.

Chipps, who brought items for the event, said it feels good to give back.

Ondercin said events like Fill-a-Cruiser have a significant impact on the community.

He said it is a way to promote positive interactions between the police and the public.

The officers present, who all donated their time for the food drive, handed out coloring books and stickers to children. Both children and adults also enjoyed petting Mentor Police K9 Bo and talking to officers.

“It is a great opportunity to connect with the community,” Ondercin said.

TAWANA ROBERTS — THE NEWS-HERALD Shoppers donated non-perishable goods to Mentor Police Fill-a-Cruiser Food Drive at Giant Eagle, 7960 Plaza Blvd., on Nov. 18.