The Huntsville Fire Department is bringing back its annual Project Porchlight food drive, but this year with a different format.
The 38th annual food drive returns December 2 in support of the Salvation Army, shifting from their usual door-to-door collections to community donation events at Fire Station 1 in Huntsville and Fire Station 5 in Port Sydney.
Officials said fire crews will be on hand to accept non-perishable food donations, while families can enjoy activities and take photos with Santa and the fire trucks.
“Project Porchlight has always been about residents generously supporting the needs of our community, and we know this year will be no different. We are committed to keeping the food drive going strong as Huntsville continues to grow, and we appreciate the community’s support each year,” said Huntsville Fire Chief Gary Monahan.
Deputy Fire Chief Paul Calleja says the change comes after 37 successful years of door-to-door collections, as the growing population and winter weather have made it increasingly difficult to cover the entire area.
“We’ve had a really successful run of 37 years with Project Porchlight where we’ve gone out into the community, and we’ve physically picked up food,” Calleja said. “What we’ve noticed in the past few years though is it’s getting more difficult, simply because the town’s growing, there’s more areas to cover… especially as weather becomes an issue.”
In addition to the fire station events, residents will be able to donate non-perishable food items at local grocery stores. The department is extending the collection period at those locations, with dates, times, and locations to be announced closer to the start of the drive.
Calleja says grocery store collections were introduced two years ago and have significantly helped boost donations.
“We’ve seen the numbers increase dramatically. It’s easier for people, they’re already doing their grocery shopping, they buy their food and give it to us on the way out,” he said.
Calleja encourages residents and families to join the events and said it will be an opportunity for community fun while supporting a good cause.
“Bring the family, grab a picture, bring in some dry goods and non-perishables, and we’ll still be able to accomplish the same thing,” he said.
