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Sheriff's food drive ready to go, sun or snow, on Saturday

Annual collection takes place at Walmart and Pat's Foods on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sun, rain, sleet, wind and snow ... the Chippewa County Sheriff Department has battled the elements for nearly three decades as it holds its Annual Holiday Food Drive.

This year, the drive will be held in the Walmart parking lot as well as Pat's Foods on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The event's co-sponsor is Commissioner Scott Shackleton. 

Chippewa County Sheriff Mike Bitnar has participated in every food drive, volunteering his time to collect food, toys and money for the event. 

"Other than being in the Christmas spirit, it's a great way to give back to the community. Everything that we raise at the food drive, it stays local. It serves our people.”

Personnel from the Sheriff Department also volunteer their time to collect the food and money, he noted.

“They are here to help the community,” Bitnar said.

As for the community itself coming together, Bitnar said the people here are very generous.

"We have a lot of people stop to see us on their way into the store to see what we need and they come out with carts of stuff sometimes."

Last year, both trailers at each location were filled completely with donated items.

Bitnar says all food items, toys and money donated will be given to the Salvation Army in Sault Ste. Marie to be distributed before the holidays.  If there is anything else leftover, it will be held and used as needed.

Residents can look for the flashing lights at Walmart and Pat's Foods on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, stop by and say hi and donate to the cause.