Ashland County Shatters Record with 4,200 Pounds of Donations for Annual “Cram the Cruiser” Food Drive
Joe Lyons •
November 4, 2024
Ashland County Shatters Record with 4,200 Pounds of Donations for Annual “Cram the Cruiser” Food Drive
In a remarkable show of generosity, the residents of Ashland County set a new record during this year’s “Cram the Cruiser” food drive, hosted by the Ashland Post of the Ohio Highway Patrol. Held over the weekend, the event saw an incredible response from the community, ultimately collecting a record-breaking 4,200 pounds of food, nearly 1,000 pounds more than last year’s record of 3,420 pounds.
Ohio Highway Patrol Sgt. Kumor, who spoke about the event earlier in the month, had high hopes but remained cautiously optimistic. “We’ll see,” he said at the time. “Ashland residents are a giving community, but we will see.” And the results surpassed expectations, with Ashland residents stepping up in a major way.
The collected donations were delivered Monday morning to Associated Charities / Ashland County Food Bank on Cleveland Ave., where Christine Box, the Executive Director, was on hand to receive the van filled to capacity. Box, reflecting on the annual event’s growth, shared the impressive historical figures:
2018: 2,800 lbs.
2019: 2,380 lbs.
2020: 2,460 lbs.
2021: 3,080 lbs.
2022: 3,280 lbs.
2023: 3,420 lbs.
2024: 4,200 lbs.
Seeing the packed van, Box was taken aback. “I was shocked,” she said. “I actually drove by the post yesterday and thought the van was going to explode! This is incredible. This time of year is our busiest season, and this will sustain us through the holidays and into the start of next year.”
In addition to the food, the community donated over $1,300 in cash, marking a historic level of support. Lieutenant Brad Bishop, Commander of the Ashland Post, expressed deep gratitude for the county’s generosity. “It’s very humbling,” he said. “This outpouring of support from the people of Ashland and seeing it turned around to help those in need is really incredible. I never imagined we’d reach over 4,000 pounds, plus these generous cash donations. Walmart, Associated Charities, and Ashland University’s Criminal Justice Club have all been invaluable partners in making this possible.”
Sgt. Kumor also gave a shoutout to Ohio Highway Patrol retirees who contributed by bringing down vintage patrol cars, adding a nostalgic and festive touch to the event. “People loved seeing the cars and taking pictures with them. It was a lot of fun,” he said.
As the Ashland community reflects on this year’s record-breaking achievement, the lasting impact of the donations will be felt into 2025, providing vital support to families in need.
