Join the Houston Police Department in its 27th annual Comida/Food Drive and help feed less fortunate families during the holiday season. Since December 1985, when several HPD officers responded to a call for service and saw a family in need, the department has worked with its partners, Fiesta Mart and Pepsi Cola, to distribute food boxes to Houston's under privileged families.

HPD's Comida/Food Drive has grown significantly over two decades, and has become one of the largest food drives in Houston. During that first year approximately 600 families received a box of non-perishable food to feed a family of four. Last year, the drive provided 3,500 families with a box of food for the holidays. This growth has been the result of generous donors, along with the effort and support of sponsors and volunteers who have contributed both time and money to guarantee the success of the Comida/Food Drive.

Major corporate sponsors of the Comida/Food Drive are Fiesta Mart. Inc. and the Pepsi Bottling Company. The Houston Citizens' Police Academy Alumni Association is also a valuable co-sponsor of the food drive and provides necessary support at the Fiesta Marts in the collection of food and money. Local inner city churches identify families for food distribution, as well as help in the collection of food, money, packing and loading of boxes for distribution.

New this year is the participation of the Houston Police Foundation which is providing support for those who wish to make a cash donation online with a credit card at: www.houstonpolicefoundation.com. On-line donations can be made from November 1 to December 1.

Additionally, citizens are also encouraged to visit one of the following Fiesta Mart locations to make a donation of cash or food.

The following Fiesta Marts will be collecting food and cash donations from noon to 8 p.m. on November 29 and 30 and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on December 1 and 2.

The 14 area Fiesta Stores are:

• 2300 North Shepherd
• 4711 Airline
• 8320 FM 1960
• 12201 East Freeway
• 800 South Wayside
• 1175 Edgebrook
• 7510 Bellfort
• 5600 Mykawa
• 11240 Fondren
• 8130 Kirby
• 4200 San Jacinto
• 6200 Bellaire
• 12584 Westheimer
• 10401 Jensen

For more information contact the Houston Police Department, Public Affairs at 713-308-3200 or visit www.houstonpolice.org