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Houston police are asking residents to help hungry families over the holidays. Officers are collecting nonperishable foods at 14 Fiesta grocery stores across the city.
Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland says it's part of the department's community policing strategy. Speaking at a kickoff event, he says officers can easily identify families that are in need.
"They know the kids that go to school hungry, and the only meal that they may get is at school, so the officers have a real good handle on knowing those folks," McClelland says.
The drive was launched in 1985 when officers delivered nonperishable food to more than 600 families. This year, they're aiming for 3,500.
HPD officer Joanna Abad says the delivering those boxes of food helps build relationships.
"We get to called to fix problems and we get called to assist people, and we get called in the worst moments," Abad says. "So when we're able to do this good stuff, we really appreciate it and we enjoy it."
The drive runs through this Sunday. Cash donations can also be made online.