Page 35 - May 2020

100 Club leads effort to say ‘thanks’ a bunch
n BY DAN CAMPANA
“Thank you” — two small words in one simple phrase — has become more than a pleasantry since COVID-19 disrupted life in Chicago and across the country.
The expression of gratitude carries a deeper meaning in many neighborhoods and districts around the city as Chicago Police Officers don protective masks and gloves to continue patrolling and supporting their communities. Residents know that cops can’t work from home, as they serve in one of the most essential jobs out there.
“Thank you for all you are doing for our community,” a Lakev- iew resident wrote in a card delivered to the 19th District.
Known for supporting Chicago police during the most diffi- cult of times, the 100 Club of Chicago did its part to provide a morale boost to officers with the April launch of the #100Thank- YousChallenge. The social media campaign encourages people to submit photos and videos to the 100 Club, which planned to share on May 5 what is likely to be more than 100 messages of gratitude for police officers and all first responders.
Chelsea Barras, the 100 Club’s director of communications, said the challenge’s focus is on raising awareness and support for those who continue to show up for work every day to pro-
tect communities even though the personal safety risk is at an all-time high.
“With the challenge, we hoped to garner community support of our first responders as well. It’s important for them to feel recognized and see that they are appreciated by the public that they protect. A lot of our followers are part of first responder families, so our social media will be flooded with gratitude for first responders that day,” Barras said, adding that the orga- nization has committed to helping families who experience a COVID-19-related line-of-duty death.
Officers in the Town Hall District also received uplifting words from one family who dropped off a letter with some goodies and a photo of their dog in a CPD shirt.
“Thank you for being lifesavers...we know how tough it is out there right now. Thank you for all your hard work,” Julianna Shewchuk and her family wrote in a letter.
In the 24th District, CAPS officers beamed as they posed with handmade cards sent in by Misericordia residents and when lo- cal Boy Scouts planted a “We Salute You” sign among silver and blue pinwheels outside headquarters.
“We greatly appreciate the love and support,” the District tweeted out in a thank-you of its own to those thinking of offi- cers in the 24th.
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