For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Newburyport Police Host Most Successful Holiday Food Drive to Date

Over $10,000 of Food Collected to Benefit Salvation Army of Newburyport

NEWBURYPORT — City Marshal Mark Murray and the Newburyport Police Department are pleased to announce that their 11th annual “Fill-A-Cruiser” Food Drive raised over $10,000 in food and over $1,500 in cash, making it the most successful holiday food drive ever hosted by the department.

The drive, held at Shaw’s Supermarket (45 Storey Ave.) and Market Basket (25 Storey Ave.) on Saturday, Dec. 3, requested nonperishable food items, cash and gift cards to support the Salvation Army of Newburyport.

Both Shaw’s and Market Basket made pre-packaged bags – ranging from $5 to $25 – available for purchase to fill the police cruisers. For the first time in the food drive’s decade-long history, Market Basket sold all 225 of their pre-packaged bags.

“I am so pleased by the support shown by our community members for those that need a helping hand this holiday season,” Marshal Murray said. “In particular, I’d like to commend Officer Rob Vatcher and Dispatcher Amy West for organizing a very successful event.”

Marshal Murray would like to thank the Newburyport Fire Department, the Newburyport Department of Public Works, Sal’s Pizza, Market Basket, Shaw’s, and Boys Scout Troop #251 for their donations and assistance.

In addition, Marshal Murray thanks all Newburyport Police officers who volunteered at the food drive.

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