'Emergency of Hunger' Food Drive Kicks Off

It's on. 

Public safety and emergency agencies from Manchester, Vernon and South Windsor will compete this year holiday season to see which team can collec the most food and cash to shore up depleted area food banks and local shelters.

Known as the "Emegency of Hunger" Food Drive, the event will run from Friday, Nov. 11, through Nov. 20 at several local supermarkets. Teams made up of police, fire, public works and EMS professionals, employees of Eastern Connecticut Health Network and Rotary Club volunteers will represent their respective towns.

Last year's food drive, which only involved teams from Manchester and Vernon, turned into a heated but friendly competition that saw the Vernon team take the crown with an impressive total of 32,574 food items, 1735 turkeys and more than $20,000 in cash and gift cards for needy families during the holidays. 

To raise the stakes this year, the police chiefs from all three towns have agreed to hang a picture of the winning team's chief in the lobby of their department for the remainder of the year. 

"I understand that the focus for many right now is in getting their own lives back in order. So obviously there is concern on what to expect for turnout and support," said David Skoczulek of the Ambulance Service of Manchester, who is helping to coordinate the event. "Food security was a source of distress for many during this storm. I am thinking that thought may resonate and help us in collecting food for those in need. In previous years we have been overwhelmed with the level of generosity during this food drive. We’re hoping that folks really come through for us again this year, even as they deal with their own adversity. It’s definitely clear that the need is greater than ever."

Dates, times and locations for collection are as follows: 

Manchester: Stop & Shop, 286 Broad Street: 11/12, 11/13, 11/19 and 11/20, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Rockville: Stop & Shop, 50 Windsorville Road: 11/19 and 11/20: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
South Windsor: Stop & Shop, 1739 Ellington Road: 11/19 and 11/20: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
Vernon: Stop & Shop, 10 Pitkin Road: 11/19 and 11/20: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.