"This makes a huge difference:" New Berlin police and firefighters join forces to help the hungry

NEW BERLIN -- New Berlin police and firefighters joined forces off the job to help the hungry this holiday season.

"For about the past 10 years, we have been donating between 80 and 120 turkeys and hams every Thanksgiving and every Christmas," said New Berlin Police Department Detective Forrest Clevenstine.

This year, they donated 120 hams -- purchased from the local Pick 'n Save. The hams were donated to the New Berlin Food Pantry for families in need in Brookfield, Elm Grove and New Berlin.

At the pantry, volunteers made room for the delivery. When it arrived, it was a team effort by the police officers and the firefighters.

"It's just good to give back to the community and those who are less fortunate than we are," said Travis Giannini, firefighter with New Berlin Fire Department.

The pantry relies on these donations, and could use even more help.

"Our pantry couldn't afford to buy these," said Jeanne Holden, director of the New Berlin Food Pantry.

Food pantry officials said what they need the most is protein. An example would be pork and beans. Another example would be peanut butter.

"This makes a huge difference knowing everyone can get a wonderful ham on their table," said Holden.

It was an act of kindness the New Berlin Professional Police Association and International Association of Firefighters Local 4724 look forward to each year.

"You can tell it is truly appreciated. It is a wonderful feeling," said Clevenstine.

The New Berlin Food Pantry is always in need of canned goods -- especially proteins like chicken and tuna. They're located inside the New Berlin Community Center.

The Community Center is located at:

14750 W. Cleveland Ave.
New Berlin, WI 53151

Donations can be dropped off on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Recipients can pick up items from 12 pm to 5:15 pm.

For more information on Food Pantry call (262) 789-8040 or CLICK HERE.