Norwalk officials and the Hindu community came together Saturday to participate in a national food drive called Sewa Diwali.

Police along with community members raised $9,000 and collected 1,700 pounds of food for Person-to-Person's Food Pantry. The nonprofit helps people in need during the holidays and throughout the year.

"People really need this help and they're going to get it and we're just absolutely thrilled by this wonderful partnership," said Nancy Coughlin, CEO of Person-to-Person.

"The donation this year has been more than double as compared to last year, and that goes back to Diwali being declared as a state holiday and everybody enthusiastically trying to give back to the community," said Sarvesh Damle.

The drive is organized in celebration of the holiday Diwali, which is known as the festival of lights.

The goal of Sewa Diwali is to bring schools, cities and community organizations together to ensure no one goes hungry during the festive season. Organizers say Sewa Diwali also means service to the community is service to divinity.