Portsmouth Police in collaboration with Market Basket are organizing the 3rd Annual 5-0

Food drive to benefit Gather (formerly known as Seacoast Food Pantry). The food drive will be Sunday, December 10, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Market Basket, 1465 Woodbury Avenue.

Several officers, department employees and their family members will be in front of the store handing out flyers listing specific items that the food pantry needs to meet demands during the holiday season. Shoppers who wish to participate can purchase items on the list and drop them off at Portsmouth Police cruisers on their way out.

The holiday season can be a difficult time for those in need. As police officers, often times we encounter members of our community who are struggling to make ends meet. The 5-0 Food Drive began three years ago as a way to help address those needs and help Gather accomplish their mission. Officer Lynn Thomas and Detective Seth Tondreault, who helped create this event, are excited it to see it continue. Last year 's drive gathered in excess of four tons of food.

When the collection has ended, officers will deliver the items to the food pantry located at 21 0 West Road, suite 3.

Gather serves residents of Greenland, Hampton, Hampton Falls, New Castle, Newington, North Hampton, Portsmouth, Rye, Seabrook, Stratham and Kittery, Maine.

Those who cannot come by during the food drive but would like to donate, can call Officer Lynn Thomas at (603) 610-7530 or email lthomas@cityofportsmouth.com or contact Gather directly at (603) 436-0641.

Donation Items Needed

16/18 oz Peanut Butter (plastic)

Squeeze Plastic Jelly

Toilet Paper

Tooth paste

Shampoo

Cooking Oils

Pasta Sauce (Can)

Can Tomatoes

Cereal (healthy)

Tuna (solid in water)

Can Fruit no sugar

Low sodium soup

Foss Motors in Exeter is donating a van for the PPD to use during the food drive

Frank S Warchol, Captain of Operations

Portsmouth NH Police Department

3 Junkins Ave.

Portsmouth NH 03801