Owensboro Police Department was able to provide gift boxes to nearly 300 families Wednesday during their 10th annual Operation Santa food drive.
Police Chief Art Ealum said that over the years he has seen the positive impact that the drive has had on the community.
“Most people, I’d say 99% of the people, will definitely show a deep appreciation for what you did, because without this during the winter and Christmas season, they wouldn’t have had food,” he said.
Each box included items such as crackers, cereal, mashed potatoes, popcorn, macaroni and cheese, crackers and more.
Donations came from Kroger, IGA, Meijer, Lowe’s, Specialty Food Groups, Southern Star and others. With the donations and amount of recipients this year, Ealum said that they are nearing the levels their food drive reached prior to the pandemic.
Through partnering with the Senior Community Center, OPD was also able to gather food supplies for those who are regularly served by the Meals on Wheels program, along with families identified by Owensboro Public Schools and the Housing Authority.
“It is a testament to the men and women that we have here, but also the families that support us,” Ealum said. “This is just outstanding.”
