Have Time Sunday To Help Out With MVPD's 'Cops and Gobblers' Thanksgiving Food Drive?

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA – Volunteers are needed Sunday, Nov. 20 to assemble and help deliver 400 food baskets for the Mountain View Police Department's annual Cops and Gobblers Thanksgiving Food Drive.

Community members are asked to arrive promptly at 9 a.m. at the MVPD at 1000 Villa St., and after a brief introductory message, the volunteer effort takes about 45 minutes, organizers said.

The brainchild of retired MVPD Officer Steve Mello, Cops and Gobblers has provided complete Thanksgiving meals to Mountain View families in need for the past 20 years. Initially in 1997, the drive provided food baskets for approximately 15 families. Last year, the number was almost 400 families, and this year 400 baskets will be provided, according to a drive coordinator, Amber Wilson.

“Unfortunately there are always more families in the community that can use the help than we can accommodate," said retired Captain Bruce Barsi, one of the coordinators. "Even in such a prosperous area, sadly there are too many families struggling just to get by. Our hope is to make it a little easier on them and provide a brighter holiday.”

The program is run entirely by volunteers and 100 percent of the funds collected go directly to families in the community. Today the list of families referred to Cops and Gobblers comes from sources including officers, schools, the Community Health Awareness Council and other organizations. Any police employee can refer a family to the program, as well. Patrol officers, detectives and executive staff are encouraged to add to the list as they encounter families in need.

Each basket has roughly a $50 value and includes ingredients for a Thanksgiving meal, plus a $10 gift card to be used towards a turkey. Healthy food staples are added to help sustain the families well beyond the holiday. And a stuffed animal for each child in the family is included!

Earlier this season, MVPD issued a call for stuffed animal donations, but Wilson noted that need is filled. "Right now, we are good on stuffed animals," she said.

If you are interested in helping, there is no need to RSVP. Just show up at the police department. Cash donations welcome, too!

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--Image via MVPD