Fill The Cruiser Event To Help Needy In Cleveland Heights

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — On Saturday, Cleveland Heights Police will again collect food for the Heights Emergency Food Center through the Fill the Cruiser event.

From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., non-perishable foods and household items can be donated to police in the Zagara's Marketplace, 1940 Lee Road, parking lot. Last year, police collected 803 pounds of food and other items for the Heights Emergency Food Center.

"We hope that we can surpass that amount this year so that everyone can food on the table for the holidays," Police Chief Annette Mecklenburg told Patch.

This year's event will be led by Investigator Tyler Allen. He took charge of bringing the event to life last year and is leading Fill the Cruiser again in 2020. He will be joined by Investigator Brian Ondercin and his K9 partner Dodo, and Officer Justin Weir and his K9 partner Rambo.

Mecklenburg said she is amazed by the dedication and willingness of her officers to create such a worthwhile event.

"I could not be more proud of their participation in this event and their service to the residents of Cleveland Heights," she said.

Mary Trupo, the city's spokesperson, said last year's Fill the Cruiser event was met with enthusiasm from the community. Nearly three cruisers were filled with food and other items.

"We hope that we will have just as much success if not more because of the greater need this year," Trupo said.

Patch has teamed with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 50 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.