(Photos by Jarret Liotta)

WESTPORT — Hundreds of dollars in food donations and contributions were collected Saturday at Stop & Shop on behalf of Homes With Hope, the Gillespie Center’s food pantry, and the homeless shelter.

“Westport and Fairfield are very giving communities,” noted Deputy Police Chief Sam Arciola.

“They always make a lot of contributions and we always get a lot of support,” he said, noting the long-standing partnership that both Gillespie and Homes With Hope have enjoyed with the department.

Officer Bruce Thompson was astounded to see the amount of cash people donated, along with myriad non-perishable food items.

“Somebody pulled up before and gave us $200,” he said, while another man walked by and dropped five $20 bills into the jar.

“It’s really nice to see people come here for a good cause,” he said.

Volunteer Danielle Dobin, who chairs the Planning and Zoning Commission, pointed out the need for food, especially since the pandemic struck.

“Homes With Hope provides a free food pantry for anybody looking to supplement or provide for their family, (but) the shelves are empty,” she said. “People in need are more in need than ever before.”

Helen McAlinden, president and CEO of Homes With Hope, expressed her appreciation for the volunteers — including co-organizer Anna Rycenga, chair of the Conversation Commission — as well as the department.

“Homes With Hope is blessed to have the support of Chief Foti (Koskinas) and all the staff of the Westport Police Department, who are here volunteering their time on the weekend and supporting our mission,” she said.