Mishawaka Police Department partners with John Young Middle School for holiday meal initiative 

MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- Mishawaka Police Officer Maria Duncan saw a need in the community which led to the creation of the holiday meal initiative, a program that will provide Thanksgiving meals to 41 families this season.  

The Mishawaka Police Department partnered with John Young Middle School, where student volunteers played a role in packing the bags.

Teachers chose families that could use a little extra support this holiday season.  

Each Thanksgiving meal package is filled with holiday staples: canned vegetables, stuffing, yams, potatoes, pumpkin pie, cool whip, and a $25 Walmart gift card for a turkey or a ham.  

Funding for the holiday meal initiative came from a $5,000 grant awarded by the Spark Good Foundation.

This grant not only covers the meal expenses but also helps with the department’s annual 'Shop with a Cop' event.

Families will pick up their meals Tuesday at John Young Middle School.

Both MPD and John Young Middle School say they hope to do more events like this in the future.