CHAMPAIGN, Illinois — Local police, including the University of Illinois Police Department, are holding a friendly competition as the holidays approach to put meals on the tables of local families.

Departments are “competing” to see which can bring in the most food donations, all of which will go to the Eastern Illinois Foodbank.

The University of Illinois Police Department (the eventual winner) will accept donations Nov. 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at State Farm Center (west circle drive), 1800 S. First St., Champaign. All donations will stay within our community.

For those who can’t make it on Nov. 28, UIPD will also accept donations during business hours between now and Nov. 27 at its office at 505 E. Green St., Champaign.

Eastern Illinois Foodbank is the primary food source for food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and other programs working to feed our neighbors facing hunger in 18 counties. The Foodbank acquires millions of pounds of food and grocery product through purchase or donation and distributes it across its network of more than 160 feeding programs. 

Other donation locations on Nov. 28:

Champaign Police Department, 82 E. University Ave., Champaign
Urbana Police Department, 400 S. Vine St., Urbana
Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, 204 E. Main St., Urbana

But the best location is UIPD’s at State Farm Center.