Kona Community Rallies for Successful Food Drive

The Hawaii Police Department's Kona Community Policing Section is expressing its heartfelt gratitude to the local community for making their fourth annual "Fill a Cruiser Food Drive" an overwhelming success. The four-hour fundraiser, held at the Kona Costco parking lot on August 30th, collected an impressive 2,031 pounds of food and $8,001 in cash donations, surpassing previous years' results.

Feeding the Hungry, Uplifting the Community

Generous Donations, Meaningful Impact

The impressive results of this year's food drive can be attributed to the unwavering dedication, enthusiasm, and support from the Kona community, as well as the invaluable contributions of the event's sponsors. The Food Basket, a local non-profit organization, will be responsible for distributing all the donated food items and utilizing the monetary donations to assist island residents in need.

Collaborative Efforts, Exceptional Support

In addition to the support from Costco, Kapa Radio personality Tommy Ching, and the HPD's Kona Community Policing Officers, the event's success was further bolstered by the instrumental involvement of the Wee Guy's Fishing organization and Johnathan's Foundation. Their collaborative efforts helped the fundraiser exceed its monetary goals, with the $8,001 raised this year representing a remarkable 67% increase over the $4,784 raised in the previous year.

Community Engagement, Lasting Impact

"The funds and food collected will go a long way in supporting those in need and making a positive impact in our community," said Community Policing Officer Dwayne Sluss, who has spearheaded this campaign since its inception. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants and volunteers underscores the significant role that community involvement played in making the event both successful and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Continued Commitment, Future Aspirations

Officer Sluss expressed the Kona Community Policing Section's excitement and anticipation for next year's food drive, as they continue to build upon the momentum and success of this year's event. The unwavering commitment to serving the community and addressing the pressing issue of food insecurity remains a top priority for the department, and they are already looking forward to the opportunity to make an even greater impact in the years to come.