Food Drive Will Help Those In Need In Mentor

MENTOR, OH — For a quarter century, a team of Mentor firefighters gathered annually to run a food drive for the needy. Since 1994 they've raised $150,000 in cash and food donations.

Their tradition was disrupted last year when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the food drive's cancellation. But with more than half of Ohioans now vaccinated, Mentor firefighter Dominic Vivolvo and Lt. Mike Smith intend to restart their food drive.

“The past year has been difficult for everyone, but the financial impact of the pandemic has been disastrous for many in our community,” Vivolo said. “It’s important to us to help our friends and neighbors right here in Lake County.”

Live in Mentor? Click here to subscribe to our free breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox and mobile devices. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and download our free mobile app on Android or iPhone.

The 2021 Mentor Fire Rescue the Needy Food Drive will return Nov. 19 and Nov. 20. Crews will gather non-perishable food items and cash by the northeast entrance of the Great Lakes Mall, by Barnes & Noble.

The food drive will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 18 and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 20.

The firefighters vowed to keep all donations in the community, where they will help those most in need.

“We thank the public for the continued support over the past 25 years and hope they can come out again strong this year,” Smith said.

Great Lakes Mall is at 7850 Mentor Avenue.