VAIL, Colorado — With only a few days left to go, collections for this year's food drive are running well below the 450,000 pound goal set by the Vail Police Department. The ninth annual food drive is officially set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Vail Police Department parking lot, 75 S. Frontage Road; at City Market in Vail, Avon, and Eagle; at Safeway in Vail; and at Columbine Market in Gypsum.

The food drive is once again being coordinated by Code Enforcement Officer Moses Gonzales. Gonzales says collections to-date total approximately 51,000 pounds of food, all of which will stay in Eagle County.

Non-perishable items such as canned goods, rice, beans, pasta, cereal and juices are suggested and needed for Saturday's drive. Participants are asked to refrain from donating items stored in glass containers, items with expired dates or homemade food items. Cash or checks made out to “TOV Make a Difference Day” are also appreciated and will be accepted at any of the above locations.

For more information, contact Gonzales at 970-376-6952.