The 22nd Annual Law Enforcement Food Drive is underway.

In November of 2007 the food drive was renamed in dedication of Norristown Police Department Lieutenant Patty Simons. She was an active and vocal member of this effort since its inception, and we would like her legacy to continue to be part of this wonderful cause that was dear to her heart.

The planning committee met on November 2, 2017 at Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, where we were all treated to a gourmet breakfast. More than a dozen local law enforcement agencies and area businesses will team up to collect over fifteen tons of food.

The food drive, one of the largest in our region, will supply the Catholic Social Services in Norristown, Methacton School District Backpack Program, Patrician Society in Norristown, the Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard in Ambler, the Daily Bread Community Food Pantry and the Salvation Army Norristown Corps with food for operations throughout the next year.

A big thank you to J.P. Mascaro and Sons for once again supporting our Law Enforcement Food Drive by donating the boxes and containers used in our food collection efforts. And a big thanks to Elmwood Park Zoo Chief Executive Officer Al Zone for joining our team and partnering with us.

Food may be dropped off at all participating police departments and businesses, with the final day of collection being Wednesday, December 13, 2017. On Thursday, December 14, 2017 at 9:30AM, a parade of police cars and motorcycles will lead a flatbed tractor-trailer loaded with donated food and toys from the Elmwood Park Zoo to The Salvation Army on Swede Street.

Dozens of law enforcement officers, politicians and government representatives will form a human assembly line to unload the trailer. The Salvation Army Band will be on hand to provide music and holiday cheer. The rest of the food will be brought to the Catholic Social Services and the Patrician Society in Norristown, the Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard in Ambler, the Daily Bread Community Food Pantry in Collegeville and to the Snack Backpack Program at the Methacton School District.