Some university families are guaranteed a fruitful Thanksgiving after three residence hall complexes filled a room full of food and MSU's Department of Police and Public Safety distributed it last week.

For the department's third annual West Side Community Policing Team's food drive, more than enough food was collected in one month to feed six families who live in university apartments.

With food donations from residents in Brody, West Circle and South complexes, large holiday baskets were assembled and given to each family. Residence Life selected each family based on size and need.

Community police officers personally delivered the baskets to each family.

MSU police Sgt. Jennifer Brown says she received a call from a university apartment family member who said he is thankful for the donations.

The department also cantered to individual family needs by buying baby food and diapers.

Goodrich's Shop-Rite, 940 Trowbridge Road, donated six turkeys and the Grand Traverse Pie Co., 3536 Meridian Crossings in Okemos contributed sweets.

The extra food will be given out next month.

Melanie Rohrbeck, an Armstrong Hall mentor, says a couple residents in her hall and she decided to collect food throughout their dorm when they noticed the food bin was sparse. Food bins were placed in every participating hall by the policing team.

"In the beginning it didn't look too good, but after we went door-to-door so many more people were willing to get involved," Rohrbeck said.

MSU police Officer Melissa Congleton, who was involved the food drive, says it's important to serve the MSU community in as many ways as they can.

"It gives us a way to positively interact with students," Congleton said. "We try to build good relationships with students, and at the same time we tell students that donating will help other MSU community residents who are less fortunate."