Apopka Police contribute to Loaves and Fishes

Presents $2,000 check to local charity

At approximately 9:30AM this morning a white van backed up to a side entrance of the Apopka Police Department. Two people dressed in black walked into the building, loaded it with toys, bicycles and gifts for local children and drove away without incident.

Oh and they also took a check ...giant check!

But while this incident had all the earmarks of a classic heist, it was actually a planned event. The APD chipped-in with the gifts and a $2,000 check to help The Loaves and Fishes of Apopka deliver Christmas gifts and food bags to children and families in Central Florida.

Loaves and Fishes Senior Director Karen Valiente was overwhelmed by the APD's contribution.

"I'm absolutely amazed. I never expected so much. We simply couldn't do it without the Apopka Police Department."

She turned to APD Chief Michael McKinley.

"Thank you. This is wonderful."

"We are happy to help," he said.

McKinley went on to say that the toys and funds came in part from donations the APD received throughout the year.

"Thanks to the community's generosity, we are able to provide children with a chance to have a great Christmas they might not otherwise experience."

According to its website, Loaves and Fishes was created in 1984 when a need arose and area churches combined their resources to create a ministry to help those less fortunate.

The organization is funded by contributions from churches, businesses, schools, civic groups and individuals. There are a number of churches that support the ministry in many different ways. Some offer to volunteer services and monthly donations, while others hold food drives to help keep the pantry full. Only three employees and 135 volunteers provide help to over 400 underprivileged families year round.

And although they are primarily a Food Pantry ministry, Christmas is a time they come together in a more comprehensive and seasonal manner.

Next week the 135 volunteers and three employees of Loaves and Fishes begin the process of delivering gifts to children and food bags to families. Last year 977 children received Christmas presents and over 500 families got a food bag for the holidays.