Two October events stand to assist the new Food Pantry of North Branford (FPNB): the town's police vs. fire Battle of the Badges softball tourney on Oct. 4 and North Branford Public Schools (NBPS) annual townwide food drive on Oct. 24.

The Oct. 4 Battle of the Badges, involves a round-robin style softball challenge at Totoket Valley Park on Forest Road (Route 22, next to police headquarters). The battle pit many members of the town's police and fire departments against one another on the field and will be held on Sun. Oct. 4  from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is a donation of canned or boxed food.

While the "battle" is a brand-new charitable effort to generate food for folks in need, Oct. 24 will mark the 26th annual Community Food Drive in North Branford. According to a press release issued from NPBS, this year marks the first time the drive will work to stock the shelves of the newly formed Food Pantry of North Branford.

The press release notes the drive is spearheaded by North Branford teachers, administrators and students.  In addition, the Public Works Department has volunteered their services to help distribute the food to the Food Pantry.

On the morning of Sat. Oct. 24, residents can assist by placing donated non-perishable food items in bags by their mailboxes, for pick-up between 9 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Students of North Branford Intermediate School and North Branford High School will make up the majority of the teams of students out to collect the food.  The drive seeks contribution of canned goods, pasta, and personal hygiene items from all segments of the community (please remember to check expiration dates of food). Teams earn one point for every item received and the top teams win gift certificates donated by local businesses.

The Community Food Drive also accepts monetary donations; make a check payable to North Branford Food Drive/NBIS and mail to Attention: Alan Davis, Principal, North Branford Intermediate School, 654 Foxon Road, North Branford, CT 06471.  Supermarket gift cards are also an ideal way to contribute to the food drive.

A large number of North Branford Public School employees as well as parents and community-minded individuals assist at the drive. Anyone interested in participating can contact North Branford Intermediate School (203) 484-1500 for more information.

Donations are always welcome at FPNB, which officially opened its doors in June at 1382 Middletown Ave. (rear entrance, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church) to assist any North Branford resident in need.

Food donations from individuals, groups and organizations are always welcome and can be donated at FPNB during operating hours on Wednesday 4 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Friday 10:30 - 1 p.m. or Saturday 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.