Now in its third year, a food drive centered on Braintree's election day means that each voter will have the chance to drop off non-perishable items for people and families in need on Nov. 8, at polling centers in each precinct.

"It's been an overwhelming success," District 4 Councilor Henry Joyce said, "and the need gets greater and greater every year."

Joyce, former candidate Philip Baldassini and others in the community brought the idea to reality two years ago. Since thousands of residents were turning out on election day, Baldassini said in an interview earlier this fall, he figured they should try and capture some of that energy and direct it toward food donations.

"At that time, as always, there was a tremendous need," Joyce said. "You've got people out there doing their civic duty so they might as well bring food with them."

Recreation director Bill Hedlund helped coordinate, Joyce said, and the DPW pitched in by bringing containers around to each of Braintree's 12 polling stations. The donations go to various local organizations, including the Marge Crispin Center, the Braintree Community Food Pantry and a number of churches.

"It's a great idea," Town Clerk Joe Powers said, adding that it lines up well with the holidays. "The timing couldn't be better."

For a list of all the polling locations in town and how to find yours see: http://braintree.patch.com/articles/polling-places-map-for-your-use-in-2011-braintree-election.