LAPD Food Drive to Benefit 750 Charities

Donations of canned and nonperishable food items, as well as hygiene and paper products, will be collected at the West Valley police station in Reseda through Sunday, said Sgt. Dan Mastro, who is coordinating the event.

The donations will be loaded onto a 48-foot semi-trailer, donated by Bekins Moving and Storage of Chatsworth, and delivered to the food bank the following Monday, Mastro said. Bekins also donated 300 boxes and tape needed to pack the food, he added.

Doris Bloch, executive director of the food bank, said the items will be distributed to 750 charities in Los Angeles, including food pantries, churches and homeless shelters.

“By donating the items to the food bank, we know this is going to be distributed fairly throughout the entire city of Los Angeles,” said Mastro, who initiated the food drive in the wake of reports that McDonald’s patrons were throwing away Happy Meals after collecting the Teenie Beanie Babies that came inside.

In addition to Bekins, Mastro has also received assistance from John McMillion, owner of Majestic Mortgage Co. in Tarzana, who has sent out more than 300 letters to his friends, associates, local businesses and consumers, schools and churches.

McMillion’s company has also donated $2,000 to the food bank.

“When individuals take time out to feed the homeless, the helpless and the hurting, they also feed their souls,” said McMillion, who vowed to make the food drive a success.

Those interested in donating food and other items may do so at the rear parking lot of the West Valley station, 19020 Vanowen St., Reseda. Food will be collected from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through Sunday.

For more information, contact Mastro at (818) 756-8542.