To make Thanksgiving special for families, Fort Worth Police officers gave away more than 600 turkeys in the past two weeks just in time for the holiday.
About the giveaway: This is a years-long tradition and something the department looks forward to as a way to give back to and partner with the community. Several officers hosted turkey giveaways in different areas of town. One location served up hot chocolate and provided entertainment for the young ones waiting in line with their parents or guardian. Another location offered a full buffet line of more than 500 hot meals that included fajitas, rice and beans, served to-go style.
“It means a great deal because the gratification of seeing a child smile, to be able to eat and know that they have another dinner coming, it warms my heart because now I know they have a well-balanced meal,” said staff member Jennifer Epps at Carter Park Elementary School in the Fort Worth ISD.
View a video showing the event at Carter Park Elementary School.
Police Chief Neil Noakes grabbed turkeys out of a frozen truck alongside his officers and volunteers of the Fort Worth community to give away to families in need.
“The officers of the FWPD work hard every day to give back and make a difference,” Noakes said. “This is just another example of their incredible hearts, and one of the reasons I’m thankful for them all year round. They do more than enforce the law. When they see a need in the amazing communities we serve, they step up to help.”
By the numbers: The Fort Worth Police Department gave families 3½ tons of turkeys this year. All of the turkeys are given away on a first-come, first-served basis, and the officers attempt to feed as many mouths as possible each year so that no one goes home empty-handed.
It takes a village: The department is thankful to community partners, such as Canales Furniture, Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, the NBA Retired Players Association, Rio Bravo restaurant, area charity Fort Worth Metro (Mobile Effort to Reach Our City), which Fort Worth Police Officer Buddy Calzada and his wife Ruth started nearly 30 years ago, and a number of grocery stores that supported the mission to provide nourishment and comfort for hundreds of families who have something a little extra to be grateful for this Thanksgiving.
Original source can be found here.
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