Page 47 - July2019 FOP Magazine

Chicago Police Department teams up to feed the hungry
Chicago Police Department squad cars surrounded the St. Elizabeth Food Pantry in Bronzeville on June 8, as law enforcement and Mariano’s grocery store commenced the fifth annual Stuff the Squad Food Drive.
This initiative to feed the hungry be- gan during the first week of June, when Mariano’s grocery stores across Chicago gave patrons the opportunity to make small donations of food and money to stock the shelves for the annual event.
Starting June 1, the Second District also worked with members of its com- munity to collect boxes of nonperish- ables and fresh produce to donate to the food pantry. Officers like Yolanda Walton joined in for a day of commu- nity service at the food pantry to reach people in need in a different way than they do on a daily basis.
“We helped on the serving line,” Walton shared. “You’re giving back to the community when you’re able to give them a smile, and then offer them something to eat as well.”
One week later, the Second District was one of the many districts that sent a fleet of squad cars to Mariano’s to be stuffed with boxes and bags of food do- nations. More than 20 Second District officers carpooled in the squad cars to help with the effort. Once the squad cars were full, the officers drove the goods to St. Elizabeth’s for the drop-off.
“There are more ways for us to serve and protect individuals than just in crime fighting; there’s also fighting hun- ger,” Walton noted. “This allows the community to see that we understand and we’re there for them in more ways than one.”
Many helping hands were at work at the food pantry, including Second Dis- trict Commander Dion Boyd and oth- er officers as they helped unload the squad cars and put the donations into the hands of those who need it most.
The impact of the annual Stuff the
Squad event became even clearer to Walton as she helped a family load their car with food for the dinner table. As Walton stood with the groceries, a young girl looked up at the officer and said, “I want to be a cop, just like you!”
“That was a powerful moment for me,” Walton shared. “I have always treated people like I would want them to treat my family members. No matter what age, I would want them to be tak- en care of.”
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