Hiram – In late July, the Hiram Police Department once again held their annual ‘Fill A Police Car’ Food Drive, and just like in previous years, this event was an astounding success.
All told, roughly 650 pounds of non-perishable food items, as well as a fair number of monetary donations were collected. “Donations are especially important during this time of year,” explained Sergeant Brian Gregory of the Hiram Police Department, “since giving typically dwindles during the summer months. What the community provided will help to help restock the 4Cs shelves just in time for the back-to-school season.”
In addition to support for the 4Cs Food Pantry, 350 pounds of dog food was also donated to the Portage County Animal Protective League. And while the 90+ degree temperatures didn’t deter the over 200 people who attended the day’s event, high temperatures deterred most pet adoption agencies from attendance. The sole animal adoption agency, a Greyhound rescue organization, attended, with one of their dogs finding a forever home on that warm sunny day.
In addition, the People Care Pet Pantry presented a donation of four pet care packages to the Hiram Police Department. Each package contains a collapsible water bowl, leash, and guide of helpful steps officer can take if they encounter a distressed dog locked in a vehicle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it only takes 10 minutes for the temperatureto rise 20 degrees or moer in a vehicle; on an 80-degree day, that could be a deadly 110 degrees. Sergeant Gregory added, “Our officers often encounter dogs locked in vehicles, and this donation will not only help us assist them, but help educate their owners.”
New to the event was a community garage sale, the proceeds of which supported Hiram parks. In addition, Garrettsville Patrolman Keith Whan and his K-9 partner Jack conducted demonstrations, with help from fellow officer Matt Noah. “I’m so proud of our community and the willingness to come together to help our neighbors,” shared Sgt. Gregory.
