Dozens of Colquitz middle school students lined up to ‘Cram the Cruiser’ on Friday as Saanich Police brought both a squad car and the much larger Saanich Police dive team truck.
The non-perishable food items were collected by Saanich Police and delivered to Burnside Gorge Community Centre as part of its Christmas hamper program.
It was the third running of the annual event, and the police cruiser was full. The dive team truck, which is quite large, had enough food in it to fill at least one more cruiser.
“We’re hoping for the same as last year, which was three cruisers full,” said Leann Finlay, team leader at Burnside Gorge.
In 2015 Burnside Gorge provided 102 hampers to families in need, with help from Colquitz.
The Christmas sponsorship program also provides gift cards so families can buy fresh food, such as a turkey, and Christmas presents.
Saanich Police Const. Lisa Sidoroff said the children love having the cruiser cars at the school, complete with decorations and lights on.
“We are still looking for Christmas hamper sponsors for families,” said Theresa James-Bates, Burnside Gorge family centre co-ordinator.
Anyone interested in sponsoring a family can get in touch with James-Bates at 250-388-5251, extension 248.