Page 58 - December 2020

58 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ DECEMBER 2020
Giving thanks
CPD officers and community express their appreciation during the holiday
In this cloud-filled year of 2020, it’s been pretty difficult to find the silver lining among the continued stress of a pandem- ic and the unrest that has besieged the city. All was not lost, though, and the Thanksgiving season proved that the relation- ship between Chicago Police Officers and residents has sur- vived.
How can you tell? The parade of restaurant workers and everyday people visiting their local districts to deliver food, personal protective equipment and even simple messages of support for the police was as prominent as ever.
Macy’s shows its support for CPD officers with holiday meal
If the food spread at the 1st District headquarters a couple of days before Thanksgiving looked like restaurant quality fix- ings, it’s because it was just that.
Macy’s and the iconic Walnut Room delivered a top-notch meal of cider-glazed turkey, potatoes and other comfort food to Central district officers as a show of appreciation for their dedicated work during a challenging year.
And, the men and women in blue went beyond the badge to help their neighbors in communities across the city. Offi- cers continued to educate and engage local youth and seniors in a variety of ways, while food drives and dinner deliveries ramped up just in time for turkey day.
Through it all, despite the noise that points to the contrary, officers and citizens made it obvious how thankful they are for one another this November.
Some of the efforts from the community and officers are showcased here:
24th District delivers in time for Thanksgiving
CAPS and Tactical officers from the 24th District put the “giving” in Thanksgiving as they helped ensure numerous members of the Rogers Park community had the holiday meal they deserved.
On Nov. 24, the officers delivered 35 traditional Thanksgiv- ing dinners, complete with turkeys, to a local shelter for wom- en and children. But that wasn’t all — the officers also served up all the fixings for another 40 dinners for residents at Trilogy Health Services, which provides a variety of behavioral health care programs and resources.
Sweet treats care for 8th District officers
Officers in the 8th District enjoyed treats from generous community members as fuel for their hard work during the ongoing pandemic.
Tracie Ellis of Tracie Cakes, a bakery located near the Chi- cago Midway International Airport, donated an assortment of cupcakes to 8th District officers on Nov. 4.
Just a week later, young community member, John Hughes, upped the giving ante by creating handmade care packages for on-duty staff and delivering them on Nov. 13.