By JAMES MITCHELL
Sunday Times Newspapers
TAYLOR — The city’s police force may have found a way to remember fallen officers and those in need at the same time.
Police Chief Mary Sclabassi last week announced the second annual Taylor Police Department Food Drive to benefit Downriver Fish and Loaves, the second of what Sclabassi said she hopes will be an annual campaign.
“We wanted to make it an annual event in order for the police department to keep giving back to the community,” Sclabassi said. “I hope to collect even more this year.”
The drive last year produced nearly 1,000 pounds of donated canned food and other necessities. Launched in partnership with Downriver Fish and Loaves and Taylor Walmart, the drive was launched in memory of Cpl. Matthew Edwards and Auxiliary Lt. Dan Kromer, who both died in the line of duty in 2010. It was, Sclabassi said, a way for the department to pay back the generosity and support shown by the community during tragic times.
“At the time the support from residents of Taylor and beyond for the loss of our officers was just unbelievable,” Sclabassi said. “Helping collect food for those who really need it is the least we can do.”
Last year’s effort gathered nearly half a ton of donations during a two-week campaign. This year, Sclabassi said, the effort will last for a month beginning July 1. Items can be dropped off at the police station, 23515 Goddard Road, or Walmart, 7555 Telegraph.
Suggested items include peanut butter, canned fruits, vegetables and meat, baby food and formula, fruit juices, rice, pasta, chili, powdered milk and paper products. All items must be unopened.
For information contact the Police Department at 734-287-6611.
(James Mitchell can be reached at [email protected])