‘Fill a Police Cruiser’ food drive aids Hawaiʻi Island families in need

An annual food drive aims to fill a police cruiser with donations in Kona this Friday.

The Hawaiʻi Police Department Kona Community Policing Section, along with The Food Basket, Kona Costco, and KAPA radio personality Tommy Ching, will host the “Fill a Police Cruiser” food drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, in the Kona Costco parking lot.

The “Fill a Police Cruiser” food drive began during the COVID-19 lockdown to assist kūpuna and families facing food insecurity and has continued annually as the need for assistance has grown.

Over the past four years, the event has collected more than 15,901 pounds of food and $27,924 in monetary donations, all of which remain on Hawaiʻi Island to support local residents.

The event returns as many Hawaiʻi Island families continue to face financial hardship due to ongoing economic impacts and increased demand on local food banks during the holiday season.

A marked blue-and-white police cruiser will be stationed at the front of the store, where Costco members and the public are encouraged to donate nonperishable food items. Donors will be able to place items directly into the cruiser and may take photos with officers on-site.

All donated food and monetary contributions will be distributed by The Food Basket to individuals and families across Hawaiʻi Island.

For more information, please contact Officer Dwayne Sluss of the Kona Community Policing Section at 808-326-4646, ext. 259, or email dsluss@hawaiipolice.gov.