Stamford Police Association Donates 100 Turkeys to Local Food Bank

The sun was just beginning to set Tuesday afternoon when a group of Stamford police officers arrived at the to deliver 100 turkeys.

This is the second year that the Stamford Police Association has donated turkeys to the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County, the start of a tradition that they plan to continue.

"It's nice to be able to give back … times are hard and everybody needs a hand," Officer William Fox told Patch. "We're happy to be here helping out."

The Stamford Police Association represents the close to 300 police officers in Stamford and participates in numerous community organizations and philanthropic events throughout the year. The turkeys were provided by .

The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County is the area's primary hunger-relief organization, supplying groceries to over 100 non-profit organizations in Stamford, Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan, and Wilton. Last Thanksgiving, the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County provided over 7,000 turkeys to local organizations and families. 

According to executive director Kathleen Lombardo, although there is an increased need for donations this holiday season, there's also a reason to be optimistic.

"We're meeting that need," she told Patch. "People are really stepping up this year. It's great to see [the police] here."

Not everyone can donate 100 turkeys, but everyone can still help. A $35 donation can provide family of six with a Thanksgiving meal: $18 for a turkey, $2 each for stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, sweet potatoes, gravy, and rolls, and $5 for a pie.

Visit the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County's Web site for donation information.