New York City’s Department of Correction ran a food drive at Rikers Island over the last few weeks to collect food for those affected by the coronavirus. 

"It was a feeling that I can’t explain, it’s a joy...just means a lot,” said Correction Officer Peggy Joseph-Saxton. 

Bins were stationed at each jail facility for DOC staff to donate food and Joseph-Saxton got emotional talking about the overwhelming support. 

"We are here for the New Yorkers, we want them to know that DOC cares,” said Joseph-Saxton. 

Joseph-Saxton helped spearhead the food drive with the DOC fraternal organizations in mid-June as a way to give back to the community during the pandemic. 

They collected canned and boxed food, personal hygiene items, diapers and even pet food--all adding up to about 20,000 pounds in donations for charity.

"As law enforcement staff and as essential staff we have to do our due diligence, we have to step up to the plate right now,” said DOC Capt. Sardou Augustin. 

The DOC staff also volunteered in the Eric M. Taylor Center, which does not currently house detainees to sort and package the food on their days off or before or after shifts.

The DOC was making its first delivery of 10,000 pounds to City Harvest Friday. It will deliver another 10,000 pounds to Catholic Charities next week.