Lauderdale County Sheriff’s deputies are giving back to the community by making sure all area residents have a good meal this holiday season.

From 4-8 p.m. Saturday, deputies will be at the flag pole outside the new Lauderdale County Government Center, where residents can drive up and drop off nonperishable food items and monetary donations. The collected food and funds will be given to the Wesley House to be distributed to those in need.

Lt. Kris Cokel, who is organizing the event, said the department is inviting everyone to take part in the effort to help make sure everyone has enough to eat on Christmas Day. All nonperishable foods are accepted, and any monetary donations will be used by Wesley House to purchase additional food items from local groceries.

Residents who take part in Saturday’s food drive will also get a little treat, Cokel said, as deputies will be handing out hot chocolate or spiced apple cider to the drive-up vehicles. Each car will also get a small bag with a cookie or brownie, he said.

Originally set to run 5-8 p.m., Cokel said the drive was extended back an additional hour as some residents aren’t able or aren’t comfortable driving in the dark. The additional hour will give people a chance to donate before sundown.

Unfortunately, it does not look like the boulevard connecting the government center to 22nd Avenue will be completed before Saturday’s drive, Cokel said. To get to the flag pole, residents will need to come down 26th Avenue or cut over from 22nd Avenue along E Street and enter the government complex by the sheriff’s department entrance on Donald Street.

Those attending the Collinsville Christmas Parade, which is scheduled for the same time as the food drive, will also have an opportunity to donate to the cause, Cokel said. A sheriff department patrol vehicle will be parked at the Piggly Wiggly in Collinsville to accept drop-off donations as well.

Saturday’s forecast shows a 70% chance of rain, and LCSD is planning ahead in the event of wet weather. Should the weather be uncooperative, Cokel said the sally port of the sheriff’s department will be open, allowing residents to drop off their donations under the covered parking area.

LCSD is also accepting donations ahead of Saturday’s event to give more people an opportunity to participate in the drive. A donation box is set up at the sheriff’s department, which is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cokel said deputies are excited about the drive, and the department is already looking to make it an annual event.