Sheriff's Food Drive Wraps Up Thursday

The Pasco Sheriff's Office is still accepting donations for its holiday food basket program, and they need your help.

'We still need everything," Pasco Sheriff's Office spokesman Kevin Doll said.

Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco hopes to provide 1,000 families with baskets, which include frozen turkeys and all the trimmings.

"Members and volunteers with the Pasco Sheriff's Office work extremely hard between now and the holidays to collect and assemble these food baskets. You can't help but get personal satisfaction when you give these baskets to Pasco County citizens who need a little cheer. We appreciate anything people can give so we can spread a little Christmas spirit to people who might not otherwise be able to afford a nice Christmas dinner for their family," sheriff's office spokesman Doug Tobin said in a previous Patch interview.

Donations of nonperishable food items can be made at any Pasco Sheriff's Office building, including the substation at the Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Unit 195 in Wesley Chapel.

Items needed include canned vegetables, yams and cranberry sauce; instant mashed potatoes, boxed stuffing and powdered or non-perishable milk. Monetary donations made my money order or check also are welcome—no cash can be accepted, the release stated.

Anything leftover after baskets are distributed is donated to food banks and homeless shelters, Doll said.

All donations must be received by Thursday, Dec. 13.

Families selected to receive a basket will pick them up on Dec. 20 at one of four pickup points in the county.

To donate or for more information, contact the sheriff's community office at 727-834-3376. The office is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.