More Than a Uniform: Cops Bless Community In Need with Southern-style Thanksgiving Meal
Police officers have big hearts. They care about the communities they serve.
That was the message “as law enforcement leaders from all over Macon County were among the volunteers dishing up the ‘Because We Care Thanksgiving Dinner’ hosted at Decatur’s ‘Good Samaritan Inn,'” according to The Herald Review.
“It’s about building positive relationships with law enforcement so that people get to know that law enforcement is here to support them.”
Jarmese Sherrod, who runs Sherrod’s Independent Mentoring Program Inc., organized the event with sponsors ranging from “the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority to Decatur Memorial Hospital and multiple law enforcement agencies.”
Diners enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal with a Southern flare. No turkey for this crowd, instead fried chicken, with mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, candied yams, corn, green beans, cranberry sauce and a wide choice of desserts.
200 diners from local missions and organizations that help people in need enjoyed the meal, now in its third year.
Sherrod says beyond building relationships between community members and police, she wants these diners to know that all of Decatur loves them.
“We’ve also got volunteers helping out here today as young as middle school students and high school students. So for people who don’t have, say, the love and support of family around the holidays, we just want to love on them today with a great meal, and a lot of great desserts.”
It’s not only good relationship building for the community members. It’s also encouraging to the volunteers from law enforcement.
Proverbs 11:25, ESV, says, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” Proving this verse, CBN quoted Blue Mound Chief of Police, Chad Lamb, saying,
“The old mindset is we protect and serve and, well, sometimes the serve part is food. It’s good to be here seeing the smiles on people’s faces and knowing we’ve helped out in the community. It’s a fun day for everybody.”
Gratitude, good food, gracious service, and grateful hearts aren’t just for this week but can be enjoyed year round. Thanks for the reminder, Decatur! We’re listening.
