The Hawai‘i Police Department is celebrating a major win, not in the field of law enforcement, but in community service and generosity. Their fifth annual "Fill a Cruiser Food Drive" has brought in an impressive haul of donations, significantly surpassing previous year's numbers. In a recent event that took place at the Kona Costco parking lot, the community showed up in full force to support the initiative. According to a statement by the Hawai‘i Police Department, more than 4,600 pounds of food and $8,966 in cash donations were collected during this gathering.
This year's contributions have more than doubled from the 2,031 pounds of food given in 2024, and the monetary donations also saw an increase, ticking upwards by over $960. The event, which lasted four hours, wasn't just a success because of the numbers; it was the spirit of the Hawai‘i Island community that turned the fundraiser into a resounding victory. Officer Dwayne Sluss, who has championed this campaign since its inception, expressed his gratitude, saying, “We are truly grateful for [the community’s] exceptional support and for helping us make a meaningful difference,” as reported by the Hawai‘i Police Department.
The Kona Community Policing Section of the Hawai‘i Police Department extended thanks to their dedicated sponsors, such as Kona Costco and KAPA radio personality Tommy Ching, who played significant roles in the effort. Commendation was also given to several other key contributors, including the Wee Guys Fishing organization, the Orchid Isle Ford Dealership, and Kona Wal-Mart—among others—for their indispensable support, which was instrumental in surpassing the targeted goals for donations.
Over the span of five years, "Fill a Cruiser Food Drive" has accumulated quite the tally, with 15,901 pounds of food distributed to island families and $27,924 in donations to the Hawaii Island Food Bank. The collected food and donations will be handed over to The Food Basket, which is tasked with distribution to residents in need. Officer Sluss, reflecting on the growth and success of the event, is already building anticipation for next year's drive hinting at even greater outcomes.
