New London — For the 12th year in a row, members of the police union on Saturday will gather in front of the local ShopRite to collect turkeys, nonperishable goods and cash to benefit the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center.

Local 724 members will be up in front of the supermarket at 351 N. Frontage Road from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Police hope to fill a large box truck they’ll have in tow, and are planning to use any cash donations to purchase grocery gift cards for families in need.

According to organizer Dustin Adkins, a union executive board member, the drive has raised more than $8,000 cash, 800 turkeys and 25,000 pounds of food in the past 10 years.

He thanked the Capano family, which owns the ShopRite, for their help in making the event a successful one.

“This event gives our members a chance to interact with residents in a friendly, nonpolice situation and allows us to make a positive difference in the community we serve,” union President Todd Lynch said.

He encouraged people from all backgrounds and disciplines to stop by.

The Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center has been working in the community to combat hunger and food insecurity since 1988.