OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Safe to say that none of us likes to see a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) vehicle in our rearview mirror.

Here’s a reason for you to head to your nearest post and track down a state trooper.

On Wednesday, FHP kicked off its annual “Stuff the Charger” food drive – a statewide effort to support Floridians who need extra help this holiday season.

The department is collecting non-perishable food donations for food banks across the state through the end of the month. The idea is to fill-up the Dodge Charger, the department’s patrol vehicle as many times as possible.

“Please stop at the closest FHP station after your next trip for groceries” said Capt. Gregory S. LaMont the Acting Troop Commander of Troop B which covers Alachua, Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy, and Marion counties in the 352, as well as Hamilton, Suwannee, Columbia and Lafayette counties.

“Our goal is to feed the hungry through our partnership with local food banks and other non-profit agencies who do this important work on a daily basis,” said LaMont.

The following items are needed:

  • Canned Goods: canned meats, vegetables, fruits, and soups
  • Dried Goods: stuffing, boxed potatoes, rice, cornbread mix, grits, cereal, and oatmeal
  • Other Goods: nuts, peanut butter, evaporated milk, bottled water, and broth

If you want to donate, take your contributions to any FHP station. In the 352, those can be found in the following cities:

  • Brooksville – 11319 E Ponce DeLeon Blvd.
  • Cross City – 16106 SE Highway 19
  • Gainesville – 6300 NW 13th St.
  • Land O’Lakes – 17008 Ayers Rd.
  • Ocala – 600 SE 25th Ave.

A full list of trooper station locations across the state can be found here.

While the race is on to fill FHP’s Dodge Chargers with food for those less fortunate, we recommend you don’t speed getting there.