"It's really a blessing:" MPD gives back to community with department's first-ever food drive

MILWAUKEE -- Feeding families in need, building bridges and a stronger community -- that was the message behind a first-of-its-kind food drive. Milwaukee Police Department District 7 held the department's first ever food drive on Friday, October 23rd.

Outside the Walmart located at 5825 West Hope Avenue, police were asking for help.

MPD food drive

"I feel really happy, like I'm happy that I'm able to help the next person out that might be less fortunate or might need a helping hand," said Shantrese Webb, Ambassador.

For hours they collected food and some shoppers even donated form their own carts.

"What I got to cook for myself I can give them a couple of cans," said a shopper.

It's that generosity that keeps Sanquaita Lewis smiling. She's the administrative assistant at Joshua Possessing the Promise ministries, and soon the shelves will be overflowing from MPD's food drive.

"It's really a blessing," said Lewis.

Joshua Possessing the Promise

Each mother, the ministry feeds nearly 200 families.

"We have families with 5, 6, 7, 8 people so we have to accommodate for those families," said Lewis.

Their mission is to make sure everyone gets fed.

"Just to stop some child or some family from going hungry is really a blessing for us," said Lewis.

That's why partnerships with MPD are so important.

"We're also out here for the community and to be engaged and show them that yes, we're here for you," said Officer Monty Kirk, MPD.

Showing that a simple food drive not only feeds the hungry, but it's also building bridges between the community and law enforcement.

If you would like to help donate to the Milwaukee Police Department ambassador food drive, you can do so by dropping off nonperishable items to District 7 located at 3626 W. Fond Du Lac Ave.

You can also bring food to the ministry during its office hours on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.