Page 59 - December 2020

11th District gives thanks — and food
Members of the 11th District gave extra thanks this year with a food pantry for both people and pets to enjoy. In part- nership with the Chicago Animal Care and Control, officers assisted during the drive-through pet food pantry on Nov. 14. They laid out pet food in socially distanced areas and helped people load the food they needed in their cars.
Officers also organized a food pantry for the community on Nov. 2 and Nov. 8 with the help of generous donations, which included fruit, vegetables, salads and even flowers. The only requirement was for residents to BYOB — Bring Your Own Bag (and mask).
The organization Save the Earth from A to Z, We Are One Family (ASEZ WAO), had a heart to heart with the Chicago Police Department on Nov. 23.
Volunteers from ASEZ WAO deliv- ered care packages of cards, scarves, tea bags, snacks and pens to all 22 districts as part of its Heart-to-Heart Campaign, which recognizes first re- sponders who have been instrumental in Chicago’s COVID-19 response.
The international group of young adult volunteers hails from the World Mission Society Church of God and has members in more than 175 coun- tries where the Church of God is locat-
ed. Volunteers with the organization handwrote appreciation letters to offi- cers, which now adorn the walls of all 22 districts.
One sentiment that hangs in the 9th District shares a particularly uplifting message of hope and appreciation for all Chicago Police Officers:
“Dear Chicago hero, In case you haven’t felt it today ... you are appre- ciated,” the note begins. “In case you wanted to quit today ... don’t. You are needed. In case you need to talk, but feel no one will listen ... there are many who will. In case you haven’t heard it today, thank you!”
12th District thanks veterans
White bags filled with food were neatly organized in rows at the First Immanuel Lutheran Church in the 12th District on Nov. 21. Officers in 012 combined with the community to pro- vide food and donated goods to combat the food gap created by the pandemic that has hit veterans especially hard.
Officers in the 12th District, including those from the tact team, participated in the Veterans Food Drive: Thanksgiving Distribution in conjunction with the Travis Manion Founda- tion.
“It was very rewarding knowing that we could just help a little bit during this season,” said Officer Kris McClearn. “Es- pecially during COVID-19, where people may not be able to get together with families.”
Though the food drive served mainly veterans, it was open to non-veterans as well. And it wasn’t just people food — pet food and supplies were also donated for the event, thanks to Paw Salvation. In a socially distanced fashion, officers helped distribute food via both a drive-through and walk-up setting.
“It’s nothing huge, but it’s at least something,” McClearn shared. “It made us feel better doing it during this time.”
Building one family with care packages for all 22 districts
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