The West New York Police Department’s annual food drive is underway, dropping off non-perishables at local food pantries tomorrow and an annual toy drive to get started right after Thanksgiving.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“As a police officer for over 25 years in the West New York PD, I remember then-Det. Mark Flores (he retired as a captain) always asking officers to donate to a food drive for our local churches and we use to get what we called Christmas Angels from the Salvation Army and every officer would buy a toy,” recalled Police Lt. Billy Kelly.
“Throughout the years and prior to his retirement, I was able to keep the tradition going with some minor adjustments. For the past 10 years or so every holiday season we would contact and donate to our local food pantries. Officers from the West New York PD would go shopping at Walmart or BJ’s and deliver non perishable food right before Thanksgiving to help out the community, we never realized how every weekend without fail these pantries are always giving out food.”
He added that Mayor Albio Sires and the board of commissioners, as well as Police Director Alejandro DeRojas, are on board with the effort this year and will be assisting.
Additionally, Kelly thanked PBA Locals 361 and 361A, FOP Lodge No. 88, and countless active officers who donate to the cause.
The pantries that benefit will start receiving food tomorrow morning are The Church of Jesus Christ, located on 55th and Jefferson Street, St. Josephs of the Palisades, located at 64th Street and Palisade Avenue, and Holy Redeemer, located on corner of 66th and Jackson Streets.
Be nice if these officers found time to patrol and police WNY streets. Go blow your own horns in the nice communities you live in outside of WNY.
Bill Kelly your a joke of a PO like most. Retire so maybe WNY PD might change for better.