Far too often, when the words ‘law enforcement’ are mentioned, they are associated with a negative connotation.

However, in many of those instances, this is not an accurate portrayal of those men and women who risk their lives each day to keep our communities safe and help others.

This is the case each year with the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Cram the Cruiser fundraiser that is used to help local food pantries. This year, the efforts and selflessness of residents allowed the event to collect three and a half trucks.

This is more than three-times the average collected in the previous years of the event.

We applaud all those involved in making this year’s food drive the best to date, and it takes a community coming together to ensure those in need have food, clothing and toys during the holiday season. In our region, there are so many who will benefit from this event and have the ability to have a Christmas meal.

In a time when many residents are feeling an economic struggle, the generosity shown by so many to help others is truly heartwarming and something we should all be proud to support.