Collegedale residents have a simple way to support neighbors facing food insecurity this November.

The Collegedale Police Department is organizing a Pack-A-Patrol Car donation drive to benefit the Apison Food Pantry.

Participants are encouraged to bring nonperishable groceries and help fill a police vehicle with supplies for local families.

The next collection is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, from noon to 4 p.m. at the ALDI store at 5974 Elementary Way in Collegedale.

Another collection is planned for Sunday, November 15, from noon to 4 p.m. at Village Market, 5002 University Drive.

An earlier collection was held October 30 at the Walmart on Little Debbie Parkway.

The multi-stop format gives residents different ways to contribute during the holiday season.

Even a small bag of shelf-stable food can help the pantry serve households experiencing difficult circumstances.

Police Chief Jack Sapp has described the effort as a community partnership built around practical assistance.

The participating stores are providing convenient gathering points so donors can stop by during regular errands.

For families deciding how to give back before Thanksgiving, a local food pantry is one place where donations can have an immediate impact.

Residents can participate by bringing unopened, nonperishable items suitable for pantry distribution.

The goal is straightforward: turn a visible community gathering into meals and support for neighbors.