Food drive Friday in New Concord

NEW CONCORD, Ohio- There will be a food drive Friday in New Concord.

The New Concord Police Department and the Zanesville Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol have teamed up for the event from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Riesbeck’s on West Main Street. The drive will benefit the College Drive Presbyterian Church food pantry.

Sgt. Melanie Appleman with the Ohio State Highway Patrol said the food pantry has been a tremendous resource for the whole village and surrounding area.

“The winter months tend to be a little bit more taxing especially with the holidays, a lot of times financially it’s a little bit more stressful and the food pantry has always been there to help people and get them back on their feet,” said Appleman.

This is the second year for the event. Last year the event brought in much more than expected with 1,357 pounds of food.

Officer Jeff Dawson with the New Concord Police Department said he was impressed by the turn out last year.

“A lot of people come out for it, it warms my heart actually because the community here is very, very close and to come together in the time of need when its holiday seasons and incomes are really low and they need some extra help, I mean it’s tremendous the amount of support that the community actually comes out for,” said Dawson.

The New Concord Police Department is also partaking in a fun way to raise extra funds. They are donating money individually to do a pseudo ‘No Shave November’ to create conversation about the food drive.

“We’re donating money individually and we’re going to take that money and the day of the food drive we’re going to go over and donate that and get more canned foods,” said Dawson. “Its kind of our extra little way of giving a little more.”

The New Concord Police Department will accept donations until December 16th.