Coon Rapids Police Association Donates to ACBC Food Shelf as Citywide Holiday Drive Nears Finish

COON RAPIDS, Minn. — The Coon Rapids Police Association has donated a monetary gift to the Anoka County Brotherhood Council (ACBC) Food Shelf, reinforcing the city’s push to support local families during the holiday season. The donation aligns with a broader, spirited community competition between Coon Rapids and Anoka, aimed at collecting the most food and financial contributions for ACBC.

Part of a Larger Citywide Effort

The donation comes in the midst of a two-week, friendly “border battle” that runs from Nov. 10 to Nov. 21, pitting Mayor Jerry Koch of Coon Rapids against Mayor Erik Skogquist of Anoka. Residents from both cities are encouraged to drop off non-perishable food items or contribute financially, with all proceeds going directly to ACBC.

The Coon Rapids Police Department (CRPD) has served as a key drop-off location and community mobilizer throughout the challenge. Within the first 48 hours of the drive, CRPD collected 482 pounds of non-perishable food, helping set a strong pace for Coon Rapids’ effort.

Why the Donation Matters

ACBC Food Shelf — a cornerstone resource in Anoka County since 1971 — provides food, clothing, hygiene items, and emergency support to thousands of residents each year. With winter expenses rising and holiday demand increasing, the organization relies heavily on community donations in November and December.

While food donations help stock shelves, monetary gifts like the Police Association’s are especially valuable. They enable ACBC to purchase fresh items such as produce, dairy, and eggs, as well as high-need household essentials that do not often appear in food-drive collections.

High-Priority Items Requested

To support ACBC’s holiday distribution, organizers are asking residents to donate:

• Proteins: canned meats (tuna, chicken), peanut butter, beans
• Canned goods: fruits and vegetables
• Pantry staples: rice, pasta, grains, flour, sugar, cooking oil
• Non-food essentials: soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, cleaning supplies

Donation boxes are available at Coon Rapids City Hall (11155 Robinson Drive NW) during business hours and at the Coon Rapids Police Department.

A Final Push Before the Deadline

As the friendly competition enters its final hours, CRPD is reminding residents that today is the last day to contribute. City leaders say the drive’s success is less about bragging rights and more about strengthening local families heading into the holidays.

“Every can, every box, and every dollar helps ACBC deliver dignity and stability to our neighbors,” Mayor Koch said earlier this week.

Monetary donations and updated lists of most-needed items can be found on the ACBC Food Shelf’s website.

MinneapoliMedia