Niles Police Win Golf Mill Food Drive Contest

One year, the Niles Fire Department won. Another, St. Matthew's Lutheran Church took home the honors.

This year, the Niles Police Department got the glory of winning Golf Mill Shopping Center's "Festival of Trees" food drive by collecting the greatest number of donations to the holiday food drive--4,423.

"I am very excited that we won the contest and want to thank all of those that supported the Police Department," said Niles Police Chief Dean Strzelecki.

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"However I am overjoyed with the response to the food drive and very happy for the people in need during this season.  I would encourage all that participated during this time of giving to try and think of those in need all year long by supporting the food pantries during the other seasons."

Golf Mill's Festival of Trees includes trees decorated by many local agencies, schools and businesses. Visitors can "vote" for their favorite tree by donating canned goods. Each food item counts as one vote. Altogether, the groups collected 7,153 items for the Maine Township Food Pantry.

Maine Township awarded a plaque to the Niles Police Department, and Sears manager Jim Corbin presented a $100 gift card. 

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Pictured from Left to Right:
Angelika Jurczyk (Golf Mill), Monika Kalicki (Golf Mill), Trustee Peter Gialamas (Maine Township), Carol Teschky (Maine Township), Dean Strzelecki (NPD), Gary Warner (Maine Township), Vince Genualdi (NPD), Joe Penze (NPD), Jim Corbin (Sears Store Manager).