Page 56 - October Newsletter

“No Crime Day” brings it all together in 5th District
n BY NICK SWEDBERG
The problems that citizens and police face in high-crime areas every day won’t change overnight. Finding solutions re- quires patience and diligence from dedicated officers.
It took four months to organize a “No Crime Day” event for Sept. 2 in the 5th District at Palmer Park, 111th and King Drive, said Officer Timothy Crawford, who has been on the job for five years. While the purpose might be obvious in the name, the event itself was far more elaborate. The goal was to con- nect people, young and old, with other members of the com- munity, their local police officers and resources to help better their lives, Crawford said.
“In order for us to build community and curb the crime, there has to be a connection between the teens and the youth and the elderly and the middle-aged,” Crawford said.
Local church leaders and members were on hand to tell people about food pantries they maintain. Members of Cook County Clerk Dorothy Brown’s office were present to help tell people about how to expunge criminal records so they can qualify for better jobs. Companies looking to hire were
brought in to connect candidates with potential jobs.
More than 450 book bags filled with school supplies were handed out to children. Women helped younger girls braid their hair. More than 1,500 hot dogs were given away to the
nearly 1,000 people who attended.
56 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ OCTOBER 2017